Mistrial In McKinney Retrial
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(Memphis) A man convicted of first degree murder in the shooting death of a Memphis police officer, will be tried for a third time.
A jury could not reach a unanimous decision in the re-trial of Timothy McKinney.
McKinney has already served 11 years on death row for the 1997 shooting death of Don Williams outside Crumpy’s Comedy club.
Later this month, a new trial date will be set.
The hope is that this third trial will start quickly, since the case is now almost 15 years old.
Both sides say, they are ready for it to be over.
“The family is resolved to see this through. While justice needs to be served, so does peace. Peace can only be served with closure,” expressed Shelby County District Attorney spokesperson, Vince Higgins.
“Mr. McKinney is optimistic. He’s disappointed, but he is ready to go home. He’s been in jail a long time,” said defense attorney, Gerald Skahan.
The mistrial was declared after the jury came back on two separate occasions Monday, saying they just couldn’t reach a decision.
From the prosecution’s side, they heard from an officer who said he saw McKinney murder Williams.
The defense team said there’s reasonable doubt.
The defense presented a witness who says, they didn’t see McKinney shoot the officer.
At this time, both sides say, a plea deal is not expected.
