The Shelby County (Tennessee) District Attorney's office said Wednesday evening that evidence indicates a Memphis Police Department officer killed in a shootout Friday was killed by friendly fire. The DA's office said it will not be proceeding with murder charges against a 17-year-old suspect.
However, the 17-year-old, who was critically injured the shootout which left Memphis Police Officer Joseph McKinney and an 18-year-old suspect dead, has been charged with 13 felony counts, the DA's office said in an email statement to the Commercial Appeal.
"Although current information indicates friendly fire, we believe the 17-year-old’s reprehensible actions are still the real cause of Officer McKinney’s death. Should a legal avenue open up for additional prosecution, be assured we will pursue it," the DA's office said in an updated press release on the office's website.
The 17-year-old is charged with attempted first-degree murder, assault against a first responder and aggravated assault in connection to the shootout. He is also charged with theft of property $10,000-$60,000, possessing a firearm during the commission or attempt to commit a dangerous felony, possession of a prohibited weapon and evading arrest.
