Ezekiel Kelly, the Memphis man responsible for a deadly livestreamed shooting spree in September 2022, has pleaded guilty to killing three people and wounding three others. The 22-year-old entered his plea in Shelby County court on August 13, 2025, avoiding a death penalty trial and receiving three life sentences without parole plus 221 additional years.
Kelly admitted to first-degree murder, attempted murder, reckless endangerment, theft, and terrorism. Family members of the victims were present in court, some delivering emotional statements. Kelly, at times tearful, told the court he had been in the “darkest place” of his life during the attacks and expressed remorse.
Background of the Shooting Spree
On September 7, 2022, Kelly went on a rampage across Memphis, livestreaming portions of the violence.
The attack left the city in fear, forcing lockdowns at schools, public transport shutdowns, and the suspension of a baseball game. Victims included Dewayne Tunstall, Richard Clark, and Allison Parker.
- Multiple shootings across different neighborhoods over several hours
- Three people killed, three more injured
- Over 300 videos and nearly 400 witnesses were part of the case evidence
- Livestreamed footage shocked the public and spread rapidly online
Kelly was arrested later that day after a police pursuit. Initially pleading not guilty, he at one point sought to represent himself before accepting legal counsel.
Courtroom Resolution
Prosecutors and defense attorneys reached a plea deal supported by victims’ families. Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said the agreement brought “certainty and finality” and ensured Kelly “will never see the light of day.”
The sentencing effectively closes one of the most widely followed criminal cases in Memphis in recent years. Families of the victims said the plea brought closure without the long ordeal of a death penalty trial.
Case Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Sept. 7, 2022 | Livestreamed shooting spree leaves 3 dead, 3 injured |
| July 2025 | Trial date set for Feb. 9, 2026; plea deadline Sept. 16, 2025 |
| Aug. 13, 2025 | Kelly pleads guilty, sentenced to life without parole + 221 years |
Significance of the Guilty Plea
This outcome:
- Ends years of legal uncertainty for victims’ families
- Avoids a potentially lengthy and costly capital trial
- Highlights the dangers of social media misuse during violent acts
Ezekiel Kelly’s guilty plea closes a dark chapter for Memphis, but the community continues to heal. While the legal process is now over, the memories of those lost remain a lasting reminder of the tragedy.
Justice may not undo the harm done, but it ensures accountability and protects the public from future danger.