Written By JR Robinson

A Shelby County man will spend the rest of his life behind bars after being convicted of the brutal murder of his girlfriend, Carlotta Wilson, in a case that underscores the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office’s unwavering commitment to public safety and justice.

Conviction and Sentencing

Nocomus Harris was sentenced to life in prison plus 15 years for tampering with evidence, with both sentences to run consecutively—not only to each other, but also to a separate seven-year sentence from a prior probation violation in Missouri. This brings Harris’s total effective sentence to life plus 22 years, ensuring he will never again threaten the safety of the Memphis community.

Details of the Crime

According to court records and testimony, Harris committed a particularly heinous act: he slit Wilson’s throat and left her in a pool of blood, a belt wrapped around her neck, while she was babysitting a one-year-old boy. The child, left strapped in a swing for hours, was thankfully found unharmed by first responders. Harris then fled the scene in Wilson’s car, discarding her phone along a Missouri highway and attempting to hide the vehicle near the state border. The evidence against Harris was overwhelming, including a folding knife found in the apartment toilet and bloody clothing matching what he wore that day.

A Strong Message on Violent Crime

Assistant District Attorneys Monica Timmerman and Alyssa Hennig led the prosecution, securing a conviction that brings closure to Wilson’s family and sends a clear message: Shelby County will not tolerate violent crime. At sentencing, ADA Hennig argued for the maximum penalty, and the judge agreed, imposing the harshest sentence allowed by law.

DA’s Office: Results-Driven and Tough on Crime

This case is one of many recent examples demonstrating the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office’s strength and resolve in prosecuting violent offenders. Under the leadership of District Attorney Steve Mulroy, the office has implemented innovative, data-driven strategies that have led to measurable reductions in crime across the county. According to the DA’s 2024 Annual Report:

• Overall crime in Shelby County dropped by 10.4% from 2023 to 2024.

• Violent crime fell by 2%, and property crime by over 20%, including a 31% drop in auto thefts.

• The office’s “V11 Initiative” prioritizes the most serious violent crimes for faster prosecution and tougher bail recommendations.

• A 60% increase in jury trials and the elimination of evidence backlogs have improved the speed and efficiency of justice.

The DA’s Office has also successfully prosecuted other high-profile cases, including the murders of Liza Fletcher and Young Dolph, further demonstrating its effectiveness and commitment to public safety.

Community Impact

The conviction and sentencing of Nocomus Harris not only deliver justice for Carlotta Wilson and her family but also reinforce the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office’s reputation as a strong, effective force against violent crime. By holding offenders fully accountable and ensuring swift, decisive justice, the office continues to make Shelby County a safer place for all residents.

“We have made great progress in making Shelby County safer and more just... We will continue to focus on what works—strategic crime reduction, fair prosecutions, and real justice for our community.”
— District Attorney Steve Mulroy

The Shelby County DA’s Office stands firm: those who commit violent acts will face the full weight of the law.