MEMPHIS, TN – Tears streamed down Ezekiel Kelly’s face on Wednesday as he stood before a judge, pleading for forgiveness for a 2022 rampage that left three people dead and several others injured in a series of violent attacks that were partially broadcast live to a horrified online audience.
Kelly, now 22, admitted responsibility to 28 criminal charges, including multiple counts of first-degree murder, in a hearing that closed a chapter on one of Memphis’ darkest nights. The court sentenced him to three consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, as well as an additional 221 years behind bars.
The spate of violence began just after midnight on September 7, 2022, when Dewayne Tunstall was shot and killed at a gathering among friends. Over the course of the day, Kelly killed two more people—Allison Parker, a mother and medical assistant, and Richard Clark, a retired corrections officer serving as campus security. The chaos involved carjackings and assaults that forced Memphis authorities to urge residents to shelter in place as the search for Kelly unfolded.
Kelly, who was 19 at the time of the shootings, addressed the victims’ families with visible emotion during the proceedings. He apologized and acknowledged the pain he caused, expressing hope that those he hurt might eventually find it possible to forgive him. In the courtroom, families of the victims spoke, with one relative telling Kelly he had lost himself and encouraging him to seek redemption through spiritual means.
Throughout the hearing, Kelly was overcome with emotion, contrasting sharply with the widely shared 2022 mugshot that showed him grinning after his arrest.
Prosecutors detailed how Kelly’s rampage extended across Memphis and left three additional people—LaKesha McGlathen, Rodolfo Zepeda, and Randall Graham—injured. The incident’s notoriety was heightened by Kelly’s decision to stream portions of his actions on Facebook Live, which prompted swift action from the social media company to remove the clips. Authorities believe the broadcast aggravated the atmosphere of fear across the city that day.
Law enforcement ultimately captured Kelly on the evening of September 7, following a police pursuit. He was initially charged and pleaded not guilty, but later changed his plea as part of an agreement that eliminated the possibility of a death sentence.
Prosecutors said the plea deal was reached with the consent of victims’ families, who wanted the case resolved without prolonged court proceedings. The agreement guarantees Kelly will never be released and brings a measure of closure to the victims and the community.
Officials described the sentencing as a step towards healing, with the hope that it allows those affected by the tragedy to begin moving forward. The decision also ensures there will be no lengthy process of appeals that could prolong the families’ pain.
The September 2022 attacks had a profound impact on Memphis residents, drawing widespread attention and leading to discussions around public safety and the effects of violence on the city. As Kelly begins his life behind bars, families of those killed and injured said they hope to eventually find peace after the ordeal.
The courtroom proceedings ended without further incident, closing the legal proceedings against Kelly and marking an end to a case that deeply shook the Memphis community.