MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Ezekiel Kelley, the man accused of going on a shooting rampage across Memphis in 2022, is charged with terrorism, the first person in the state to be prosecuted on that charge, his attorneys say.
Kelley also faces two dozen felony charges including three charges of first-degree murder.
In court Tuesday, the now 22-year-old stood before a judge, but his attorneys are saying they are not ready to face a jury because of the sheer magnitude of this case. However, the prosecution says they are certainly ready to proceed.
“This case is not a normal case. It’s a case that involves seven crime scenes, three homicides. It involves approximately 80 witnesses on behalf of the government,” said Michael Scholl, Kelly’s defense attorney.
But the state tells the judge, they are equipped for what’s next while laying out the dozens of those who could be called to the stand when the trial finally gets underway.
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“The state of Tennessee has disclosed 76 witnesses to the defense counsel that we expect to testify. We continue to work towards being ready for a July trial date,” said Shelby County Assistant District Attorney Chris Lareau.
While things are continuing to take shape, Ezekiel Kelly is headed back to lockup.
The judge told both the defense and the prosecution to return to court on May 23. We will be there as well to keep you updated.
