Memphis police officer Joseph McKinney fatally shot by teen recently released from jail, Internet demands ‘death penalty for cop killers’

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

SHELBY COUNTY, TENNESSEE: Officer Joseph McKinney, aged 26, was fatally shot by 18-year-old suspect, Jaylen Lobley in the early hours of Friday morning, April 12. 

Another officer sustained injuries but is currently in a stable condition, while a third officer was grazed by a bullet during the exchange of gunfire. A 17-year-old suspect was wounded but is expected to recover, as confirmed by police.

For context, Lobley had been arrested and released without bond in March after allegedly possessing an illegally modified semi-automatic weapon as DailyMail, reported.

How was Officer McKinney shot?

During the shootout that resulted in Joseph McKinney's death, 18-year-old Jaylen Lobley was also killed. 

Lobley had been arrested last month for possessing an illegal weapon but was released without bond, according to law enforcement officials. He was also charged with stealing two vehicles and allegedly possessing a programming device used for car theft.

In a press conference on Friday, Interim Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn 'CJ' Davis described the incident that unfolded as officers responded to a call about a suspicious vehicle nine miles south of Downtown Memphis. 

Upon approaching the vehicle, officers were met with gunfire from inside, prompting them to return fire. The suspect's car fled, leading to a car chase.

Eventually, the car was stopped, and one suspect was arrested while the other attempted to escape but was later apprehended.

Two officers were taken to Regional One Health Hospital in Memphis, where one remains in non-critical condition.

Another officer was treated at the scene and is now in a stable condition.

Davis added, “We're not just concerned about our officers, we're concerned about the public in general. This could have been anybody and we're just really, really disturbed at the boldness and the use of weapons and just all these different situations that we're seeing in our community."

She continued, "We have a family that's grieving now, a wife that's grieving now, the families of the suspects that are grieving now. As a community we have to do better. We have to ensure that parents know where our young people are at 3 o'clock in the morning."

Internet reacts to officer's death

Following the news of the Memphis officer's death, many social media users began criticizing authorities for releasing suspects and others expressed condolences to the officer's family.

One user claimed, "The problem is letting these violent criminals out without posting a hefty bond. Or better yet deny them bond and keep them locked up!”

Another penned, “When you let criminals loose they kill innocent people. Apparently the government is clueless about this fact."

The third user mentioned an deceased officer saying, “Maybe, in woke Memphis, a social worker should have been sent to calm down this violent criminal... not! RIP, Officer Joseph McKinney and thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice in order to protect the law-abiding people in your community.”

The fourth outraged, “He's a man, not a teenager! He's 18. Legal age to be charged as an adult. Why was he released on those weapons charges? Let me guess, leftist nonsense in blue Memphis?”

The fifth wrote, “This is awful & heartbreaking...at least the killer was killed too.”

The last user added, “Death penalty for cop killers…"

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online