MEMPHIS, Tenn — Tennessee Senator Brent Taylor is continuing his criticisms of Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy and Shelby County General Sessions Judge Bill Anderson over the release of the man accused of a shooting at the FedEx World Hub.
On Nov. 23, 2024, Taylor released alleged courtroom audio of Judge Anderson during the hearing of Tyreese Earnest, who is accused of shooting his co-worker at the FedEx World Hub, along with a series of criticisms toward D.A. Steve Mulroy and Judge Bill Anderson to his social media.
Earnest, 18, is one of three men charged in the shooting that happened at around 4 a.m. on Oct. 30, 2024, in the FedEx Hub parking lot. He is charged with attempted second-degree murder, employing a firearm with intent to commit a felony, reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, and vandalism.
According to court records, during a hearing on Nov. 12, Judge Anderson reduced Earnest’s bond from $200,000 to ROR (Released on Own Recognizance).
In the audio, Judge Anderson told Earnest, “I’m going to give you a chance to get your act together but I’m going to be watching you like a hawk in every court hearing.”
Judge Anderson also threatened to double Earnest’s original bond of $200,000 to $400,000 if he did not comply with the judge’s orders.
Later in the audio, Judge Anderson can be heard asking Earnest if he learned anything during his time in the intake room at 201 Poplar.
Earnest responded, “Yes.”
Along with the audio, Taylor made several posts accusing Anderson of being a ‘rogue judge’ and further criticized D.A. Mulroy for not doing enough to pursue higher bonds in criminal cases.
ABC24 has reached out to the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office for a comment on Sen. Taylor’s recent posts.
Following Earnest’s release on his own recognizance, Mulroy responded to the decision in the following statement:
“Our office opposed lowering the suspect’s bond. The details of the alleged crime, the fact the victim was ambushed, and the violent nature of it convinces us that this suspect is a threat to public safety. I respect the court’s decision but disagree with it.”
