The Memphis Police Department, in partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee, is continuing its strategic effort to hold the most violent domestic offenders accountable through federal prosecution as part of MPD’s Domestic Violence Prolific Offender Initiative, an effort focused on identifying the city’s most violent and repeat domestic violence offenders and building the strongest possible cases through coordinated enforcement.

As part of this initiative, six domestic violence cases have been accepted for federal prosecution—holding the city’s most violent offenders accountable and prioritizing the protection of victims.

The following case highlights the type of violent domestic offenses being prosecuted at the federal level:

According to the investigation, on December 30, 2025, at approximately 12:06 a.m., officers responded to a shooting where a victim sustained a gunshot wound to the shoulder. The victim was found inside a vehicle that had been struck multiple times by gunfire.

The victim reported that his girlfriend shot him as he attempted to leave a residence in the 1700 block of Dabbs Avenue. Investigators determined the two had been involved in a domestic dispute while inside the vehicle.

A search warrant was executed at the defendant’s residence, where officers recovered a .22 caliber Walther P22 semi-automatic handgun. Evidence collected—including shell casings and ballistic analysis—indicated the shots were fired from outside the vehicle.

The defendant is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. On March 6, 2026, a federal arrest warrant was issued by the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee.

This case is one of six referred and accepted for federal prosecution as part of MPD’s Domestic Violence Prolific Offender Initiative. Federal charges often carry enhanced penalties, including significant prison time, particularly in cases involving serious bodily injury or the use of a firearm. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Addressing domestic violence requires a focused, coordinated. and collaborative approach,” said Chief C. J. Davis. “By working alongside our federal partners, we are strengthening accountability for the most dangerous offenders while continuing to support victims and prevent future violence. This is part of our ongoing commitment to reduce crime and build a safer Memphis for everyone.”

“We are proud to partner with MPD in their Domestic Violence Prolific Offender Initiative. Persons with histories of domestic violence present a known and immediate risk of violence to their families and the community at large. The presence of a firearm during a crime of domestic violence dramatically increases the chances that the victim or other family members in the household, including children, will be fatally shot. Through our aggressive federal prosecution of these known abusers, we can incapacitate and hold dangerous offenders accountable, send a strong message of deterrence, reduce violent crime rates, and ultimately save lives,” said U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant.