Written By JR Robinson

The Shelby County District Attorney’s office is standing firm against violent crime, sending a clear message that acts of violence will not be tolerated in Memphis. In a recent development underscoring their tough-on-crime stance, 18-year-old Derrion Taylor, accused in a triple shooting that tragically claimed the life of 93-year-old Geraldine Harris, has been ordered held on a $1 million bond.

Zero Tolerance for Community Violence

Taylor, who was 17 at the time of the January 17, 2024, shooting on Kendale Avenue, appeared in Juvenile Court for a detention hearing this week. With his attorney present, arguments centered on whether the teen should remain detained pending adjudication. The State, represented by Assistant District Attorneys William Yonkowski and Sanjeev Memula, emphasized the extreme danger Taylor poses to the community.

A Memphis Police Department Homicide Detective detailed the severity of the crime, describing how the triple shooting left two others wounded in addition to Harris’s death. Prosecutors forcefully argued for a substantial bond, with the support of Harris’ grieving family, some of whom attended in person and others virtually.

Their position was unequivocal: Memphis will not sit idly by and allow such violence to go unpunished. “We are committed to keeping dangerous individuals off our streets,” said a DA’s office spokesperson. “This bond sends a strong message — we put public safety first, and we will aggressively pursue those who threaten our neighborhoods.”

Tightening the Legal Net

The Juvenile Magistrate agreed with the State, setting Taylor’s bond at $1 million — a move reflecting both the severity of the alleged offense and a determination to discourage further violence in Shelby County.

Taylor, who also faces unrelated adult warrants, was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Service Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force on July 24, 2025, at a residence in Memphis. His arrest was considered a pivotal moment in a case that has captured the attention and concern of the Memphis community.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities stress that the investigation is ongoing. The Shelby County DA’s office and law enforcement vow to pursue full accountability for all those involved in violent acts, reaffirming their commitment to justice for victims and their families.

As Memphis confronts the challenges of violent crime, officials have made it clear: the days of leniency are over. The DA's office remains unwavering in its mission to secure justice and ensure the safety of every resident.