Shelby County District Attorney Requests Case Review
The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office has taken urgent legal steps following the release of 30-year-old Detwon Gunn, who is accused of shooting four people outside a Midtown Memphis restaurant earlier this month. The District Attorney’s Office has filed an emergency request for another court to review the case, which has drawn widespread attention due to the judge’s decision to release Gunn on his own recognizance. This decision has ignited controversy and raised serious concerns within the community, as the charges against Gunn are severe and involve multiple victims.
Initial Bond and Release Decision
Initially, Gunn’s bond was set at $500,000 by a judicial commissioner, reflecting the gravity of the charges. The District Attorney’s Office supported this amount, considering the violent nature of the incident. However, during a subsequent court hearing, Gunn’s attorney requested that the bond be reduced to $75,000. Despite the prosecution’s objections, the presiding judge made the unexpected decision to release Gunn without requiring him to post any bond, allowing him to leave jail on his own recognizance. This decision has sparked outrage, particularly among the victims and their families, who fear for their safety and are perplexed by the court’s ruling.
Victims and Community React
Corey Coleman, one of the individuals who was shot by Gunn, expressed his disbelief and frustration following the news of Gunn’s release. Coleman, who sustained serious injuries in the shooting, described himself as being in excruciating pain and struggling to recover. He also stated that he is “really confused” by the judge’s decision and does not feel safe knowing that Gunn is no longer in custody. Coleman has indicated that he is trying to return to Texas, where he believes he will be safer.
The release has also prompted responses from local lawmakers. Tennessee State Senator Brent Taylor has written letters to District Attorney Steve Mulroy and Marshall Davidson, the Disciplinary Counsel for the Board of Judicial Conduct. In his letters, Senator Taylor expressed his concern about the circumstances surrounding Gunn’s release and suggested that the judge may have violated a new state law that requires the safety of the community to be the primary consideration when setting bail. Senator Taylor’s involvement highlights the broader implications of the judge’s decision and the potential legal repercussions that could follow.
Judge’s Perspective and Legal Background
Judge Bill Anderson, who presided over the bond hearing, has declined to comment on the ongoing case but encouraged those interested to request the audio from the bond hearing to understand his rationale. While the judge has refrained from public statements, his decision has come under scrutiny, particularly in light of Gunn’s criminal history. Court records show that Gunn was previously arrested in 2016 on drug and weapons charges, although these charges were later dismissed. Beyond these incidents and minor driving infractions, Gunn does not have a significant criminal record, which may have influenced the judge’s decision to release him.
Legal Proceedings and Future Developments
The District Attorney’s Office is actively pursuing a review of the judge’s decision, filing a Freedom of Information Act request to obtain the audio from the bond hearing. The timing for another court to review the case remains uncertain, as a date has not yet been set for the District Attorney’s request to be heard. The case continues to develop, with both legal authorities and the public closely monitoring the situation.
As the case moves forward, the community remains divided over the judge’s decision. Many are questioning the legal processes that allowed for Gunn’s release, especially in light of the serious nature of the allegations against him. The outcome of the District Attorney’s request for a case review will be a significant moment in this ongoing legal battle, with potential implications for future cases involving violent crimes and bail decisions.
In the meantime, the victims and their families are left grappling with the aftermath of the shooting, as well as the uncertainty and fear brought on by the release of the accused. The controversy surrounding this case underscores the challenges and complexities of the criminal justice system, particularly when it comes to balancing the rights of the accused with the safety and security of the community.
