Memphis Officer Killed Last Week in Shootout May Have been Hit by Friendly Fire

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.