SHELBY COUNTY, Tenn. — Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said Tuesday night he is appealing the recent decision by Judge Bill Anderson to release multiple suspected shooters without bail.
The suspects include three people charged in the shooting of a FedEx employee last month and a man who fired at officers before a 12-hour standoff last week.
“I strongly disagreed with that decision. We are appealing that decision. We opposed it at the hearing and we will oppose it when we do our writ of certiorari up to criminal court,” Mulroy said.
He said the decision to appeal was made independent of any external commentary or pressure, and was just part of the legal system. However, he noted the pattern coming out of Anderson’s court.
“Clearly, there have been more of these controversial bill decisions in that particular court than in other courts, right? But you know, I just don't think we should personalize this. I just don't think we should demonize individuals,” Mulroy said.
Earlier this year, Anderson was reprimanded by the State Board of Professional Responsibility for comments critical of the bail system.
Tennessee State Sen. Brent Taylor (R - Eads) has been a vocal critic of both Mulroy and Anderson and said the following in a Facebook post Wednesday:
“This isn’t about politics. It’s about saving our community. It’s about ending the chaos. It’s about creating a safe environment for every family in Shelby County no matter where they live in the county.”
If a judge were to receive two reprimands during a single term, he would be automatically referred to the general assembly for further action by state law.