Ezekiel Kelly Pleads Guilty in 2022 Memphis Shooting Spree

Why this matters: Kelly's guilty plea brings a sense of justice to the victims' families and the Memphis community, which was deeply affected by the violent events of September 2022.

On August 13, 2025, Ezekiel Kelly admitted guilt for his actions in the 2022 Memphis shooting spree. This rampage, which occurred on September 7, 2022, resulted in three fatalities and multiple injuries, instilling fear throughout the city. Kelly's actions prompted a city-wide lockdown as police pursued him across Memphis and into Mississippi.

The charges against Kelly included first-degree murder, attempted murder, carjacking, and various weapons offenses. Initially, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy aimed to pursue the death penalty. However, the guilty plea has removed that possibility, leading to a sentence of life imprisonment without parole.

The events of that day in 2022 unfolded with Kelly allegedly shooting Dwayne "Sosa" Tunstall in the early hours, followed by further acts of violence streamed on Facebook Live. He stole multiple vehicles and terrorized the community until his eventual arrest.

Kelly had previously been arrested and sentenced to three years but was released early in March 2022, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his release and subsequent crime spree.

Kelly was charged with 28 felony counts, including three counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder, carjacking, and weapons offenses.

He will serve three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, followed by an additional 221 years for the remaining charges.

The death penalty was taken off the table as part of the plea agreement, ensuring Kelly would spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of release.

The deceased victims were Dwayne "Sosa" Tunstall, Allison Parker, and Richard Clark. Several others were injured during the rampage.

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