Shawn Jones No Longer at Memphis Police Department; ‘Watermelon Man’ Killer Suspect Captured

1. High-Ranking Police Official Exits Stage

Shawn Jones, the second-in-command Assistant Chief of the Memphis Police Department (MPD), has exited his position amidst scrutiny over his living situation. News circulated last week that Jones was reportedly not living in Memphis full-time, a detail which sparked renewed discussions about law enforcement residency requirements amid ongoing city meetings.

However, Memphis Mayor, Paul Young, stressed that Jones’ residency was not a driver behind his departure during a joint press conference. Young stated the decision was grounded in advancing the department and was influenced by internal morale dialogues. Interim MPD Chief, Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis, noted that Jones’ lengthy tenure wasn’t anticipated. 

2. Notorious Teenage Killer in Memphis Custody

Earlier in the same day, law enforcement officials announced they had apprehended a teenage fugitive, Demarion Tackett. The 16-year-old is charged with multiple crimes including first-degree murder, aggravated and especially aggravated robbery, murder in perpetration of a robbery, carjacking, and possession of a firearm in commission of a dangerous felony.

Tackett’s capture ended weeks-long manhunt following his failure to show up for a scheduled court session. He originally made headlines for allegedly murdering John Materna, a well-loved street produce vendor locally known as “The Watermelon Man.”

Law enforcement’s efforts combined the expertise of the MPD’s Fugitive Apprehension Team, the Multi-Agency Gang Unit, and the U.S. Marshals Service. U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller expressed hope that the arrest would bring some relief to the victim’s family and the wider Memphis community.

3. Judicial Appointments and Court Cases Progress

In the past week, the governor made several appointments in the Shelby County judicial sphere, including appointing Jim Newsom to serve in Tennessee’s 30th Judicial District Chancery Court, effectively immediately. Newsom, who most recently functioned as special counsel at the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office, is set to fill in for Chancellor Jim Kyle during his disability leave.

Alongside Newsom’s appointment, several significant court cases related to Memphis’ broader public safety made progress. The cases saw developments as defendants and prosecutors in major trials presented new motions and documents to the courts. The defendant, Jessie Dotson, who was convicted of killing six people back in 2008 in the infamous Lester Street murders, proclaims his innocence and seeks a writ of habeas corpus.

Furthermore, an alleged serial shooter, Ezekiel Kelly, also made an appearance in court this week, scheduled to next appear on August 12. However, despite these strides, several cases remain stalled, awaiting further judicial action.