In a tragic turn of events, a 17-year-old suspect has been charged in the shooting death of Memphis police officer Joseph McKinney. However, the district attorney's office has revealed that the teenager has not been accused of first-degree murder as investigations indicate Officer McKinney was killed by friendly fire. The details surrounding this incident have left the community in shock and mourning.

According to a statement released by Shelby County's top prosecutor, the 17-year-old suspect faces multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder and assault against a first responder. The charges stem from the events that unfolded on April 12, when Officer McKinney and 18-year-old Jaylen Lobley lost their lives in a shootout during an investigation of a suspicious vehicle. The suspect himself was injured and is currently hospitalized, while another police officer was also injured, and a third officer sustained minor injuries.

While the district attorney's office has not identified the 17-year-old suspect or provided full details about the friendly fire aspect of the shooting, they emphasize that the teenager's actions were "reprehensible" and ultimately resulted in Officer McKinney's death. The charges brought against the suspect carry a maximum sentence of up to 400 years in prison.

The Memphis Police Department has referred all questions regarding the incident to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, which is currently delving further into the shooting. However, the TBI has declined to comment on the district attorney's statements regarding friendly fire.

Police Chief Cerelyn "CJ" Davis expressed deep mourning for the loss of Officer Joseph McKinney, acknowledging the heart-wrenching revelation of friendly fire in a statement. The news has undoubtedly added an additional layer of complexity to an already devastating situation.

As the investigations continue, the community remains in shock and united in grief for the loss of Officer McKinney. The circumstances surrounding his death serve as a somber reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face daily while serving their communities.