TN House Speaker to review criminal cases of Memphis judge following controversy
Nov 22, 2024
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton says he will be looking into all criminal cases of a Memphis judge following controversy over the decision to release an attempted murder suspect without bond.
Sexton made a post on social media calling out Shelby County General Sessions Judge Bill Anderson, noting that his approach to Memphis crime is "softer than jello."
"I was wrong. [Steve Mulroy] is runner-up for being the softest on crime. Judge Bill Anderson is the winner - his approach is softer than jello. Judge Bill Anderson's decisions on the bench make Memphis unsafe. He stands with violent criminals rather than law enforcement, victims, families, and protecting Memphis. I have instructed my team to start reviewing all of his criminal cases."
This is not the first time Judge Bill Anderson has received backlash following a decision in court.
Christopher Smith is facing three counts of attempted first-degree murder after a 12-hour standoff with police where shots were fired. He was released from jail on his own recognizance by Judge Bill Anderson.
Mulroy files emergency appeal after judge lets barricade suspect out of jail
District Attorney Steve Mulroy voiced his concerns after Smith's release, stating that he does not agree with the court's decision and that he believes "it’s sufficiently problematic."
Mulroy said that his office opposed Smith's release and suggested that the $200,000 bond he was given remain.
The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office has since filed a writ of certiorari, an emergency appeal, in response to Judge Anderson’s decision.
Mulroy said this is the third time recently that his office has filed a writ after the release of a suspect by Judge Anderson. He said the practice is rare.
State Sen. Brent Taylor slammed the release calling Smith “a threat to public safety.”
Taylor also recently called out Judge Anderson after 18-year-old Tyreese Earnest, who is accused of shooting a FedEx employee in the hub’s parking lot was released from jail without bond. He is facing an attempted second-degree murder charge.
Man accused of shooting FedEx employee released without bond
“Judge Anderson continues to exhibit a blatant disregard for TCA 40-11-115(a), whichelevates the safety of the community as the first consideration of bail,” said Senator Taylor.
Steve Mulroy also filed an emergency writ of certiorari in criminal court for this case.
Anderson spoke with WREG following Detawn Gunn's release without bond in September. He is accused of a shooting that injured several people at Railgarten and was charged with five counts of attempted second-degree murder.
Mulroy has since filed a writ of certiorari in this case as well.
“I’ve been doing this job for almost 15 years. I know what I’m doing and I follow the law,” Anderson said at the time.