Shelby County DA Oversees Retesting After Forensic Analyst’s Dismissal for ‘Unethical Conduct’
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy is overseeing the retesting of forensic evidence in multiple sexual assault cases after the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (“TBI”) terminated a forensic analyst at its Jackson laboratory for “unethical conduct.” The retesting, initiated in October 2024, aims to ensure the integrity of evidence in cases critical to securing convictions and remains ongoing.
The TBI attributed the forensic analyst’s dismissal to personal conduct issues, emphasizing that the decision was unrelated to the quality of their forensic work. The agency has not disclosed the analyst’s name or specific details of the misconduct, citing personnel privacy policies. To date, the TBI has received three requests to retest evidence originally analyzed by the analyst, all from Shelby County, according to a statement provided to Action News 5.
In an October 2024, Mulroy underscored the necessity of transparency in the judicial process. “It may seem counterintuitive, but failing to disclose this information violates the rights of the defendant, which sometimes leads to a violent criminal being let go,” he wrote. “The evidence in those cases, which involve rape and sexual abuse, is now being retested. In accordance with the law, we are disclosing that information to defense attorneys, so we can seek airtight convictions in these cases. Justice for victims and defendants demands we operate honestly and ethically.”
Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman elaborated, “We need to disclose the problems to defense attorneys, and when possible, we need to retest and have a different scientist testify in court.” This disclosure aligns with legal obligations under Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963), which requires prosecutors to share exculpatory evidence that may affect a trial’s fairness with the defense.
The TBI’s Jackson laboratory, one of three forensic facilities in Tennessee, processes evidence for criminal cases across West Tennessee. The analyst’s open cases have been reviewed, and the TBI has taken steps to complete testing of affected evidence. The exact number of cases requiring retesting remains undisclosed, and no timeline for completion has been specified.
Mulroy has used this incident to renew his push for a local forensic crime lab in Shelby County. On June 4, 2025, he joined Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris in requesting $5.5 million in recurring funding from the Shelby County Board of Commissioners to establish a focused crime lab. The proposed lab would expand ballistic testing, rapid DNA analysis, and cellphone forensics, particularly for non-homicide cases, to improve solve rates. “With rapid DNA, this is an emerging technology; it’s about a decade old, but it would be of great use in investigations because right away, if you’ve got a DNA sample from the crime scene, you can maybe find out who your suspect is,” Mulroy said.
The initiative follows a March 2024 legislative effort by State Representative G.A. Hardaway and Senator Sara Kyle to commission a feasibility study for a Shelby County crime lab, conducted by the Tennessee Advisory Committee on Intergovernmental Relations. The study, submitted to the Tennessee General Assembly by January 14, 2025, assessed the lab’s potential impact on public safety and efficiency. Mulroy emphasized that a local lab would complement, not replace, TBI’s efforts, addressing the high demand for forensic testing in Shelby County.
Legal experts stress the importance of such measures. “Transparency in these situations is non-negotiable,” said Jane Harper, a Memphis criminal defense attorney. “Retesting evidence when there’s any doubt about its handling protects the integrity of the justice system.”
Mulroy’s office continues to work with the TBI to expedite retesting and ensure minimal disruption to ongoing cases, reflecting a commitment to ethical prosecution and public safety.
The dismissal of a TBI forensic analyst and the subsequent retesting of evidence in Shelby County highlights an uncomfortable truth: justice often hinges on the reliability of forensic science and the integrity of its practitioners. While the immediate focus is on correcting potential errors, this incident has exposed broader systemic vulnerabilities—delays in testing, reliance on overburdened state labs, and the ever-present risk of human error and malfeasance.
Sources: Action News 5, Fox13 Memphis, Yahoo News, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Commercial Appeal
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