According to reports from ActionNews5, the move by Anderson has stoked further backlash against the judge who recently faced severe criticism for his soft-on-crime stance on bail and granted ROR in at least two other high-profile cases with violent offenders.
The report details that Smith; despite facing three counts of attempted first-degree murder, evading arrest, and vandalism of property, was released on his recognizance (ROR) Tuesday but appeared to still be booked as of Tuesday night and is scheduled for psychological evaluation on Dec. 3rd.
During the Sunday incident that culminated in his arrest, Smith engaged in a confrontation with Memphis Police that began with a call from Smith’s mother. The woman reported that her son was armed and suffering a mental health episode. She identified her son as a military veteran. Upon arrival at Smith’s home police found he had already left the scene, but he was located nearby in his parked vehicle.
The suspect reportedly greeted officers by rolling down his window and asking them “if they wanted to die.” He then fired at the officers and sped off according to a police affidavit obtained by WMC.
Returning to his home under pursuit Smith barricaded himself inside his car and a standoff began as officers surrounded the vehicle at a safe distance. When officers used an MPD robot to secure a safe visual of the suspect he reportedly shot at the robot and ran it over, damaging the $60,000 piece of equipment.
Twelve hours later, officers convinced Smith to surrender peacefully without firing a single shot at him.
In a lengthy post to X, Tennessee State Senator Brent Taylor said he sent a letter to Memphis District Attorney Steve Mulroy. He requested that Mulroy “file a Writ of Certiorari to correct Judge Anderson’s misguided and dangerous decision to release yet another violent criminal on his own recognizance with no bail.”
He explained, “Judge Anderson released Christopher Smith today despite Smith firing at police officers and barricading himself for a standoff. Judge Anderson’s decisions show a blatant disregard for the law I authored requiring safety of the community be the first consideration when setting bail.”🚨Today I sent another letter to DA Mulroy requesting he file a Writ of Certiorari to correct Judge Anderson’s misguided and dangerous decision to release yet another violent criminal on his own recognizance with no bail. Judge Anderson released Christopher Smith today despite… pic.twitter.com/AvibYlmyyL
— Senator Brent Taylor (@SenBrentTaylor) November 20, 2024
Taylor also noted a second incident in which Anderson granted release without bond to another suspect Tyreese Earnest. He concluded, “DA Mulroy may respect the decision, but he does not have to accept it as final. Our community needs him to do his job and aggressively prosecute and protect the citizens of Shelby County from criminals.”
