Memphis Safe Task Force Arrests Three Suspects for Three Different Murder Cases in One Day

Memphis, TN – The Memphis Safe Task Force on Tuesday April 14 arrested three different suspects wanted for three different cases of either murder or attempted murder capping off a day that saw some of the most serious offenders taken off the streets since the operation began.

Thomas Sanders, 32, was arrested in the 1300 block of Latham Street for outstanding warrants after receiving information that the suspect was currently at the residence. Sanders had warrants from an incident in 2005 for Criminal Attempt-First Degree Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Employ Firearm with intent to Commit Felony.

Detectives have been working on Sanders’ case since May of 2005.

Detectives approached and surrounded the residence and announced their presence. Sanders came to the front door and was taken into custody without incident.

Darrell Kiser, 20, was arrested in the 500 block of King Street on charges of First-Degree Murder and Especially Aggravated Robbery. At approximately 11:10, Task Force Members executed a Shelby County arrest warrant on Kiser at his residence.

Kiser was transported by MPD (Memphis Police Department) into U.S. Marshals Service custody.

Kerrell Jackson, 18, was arrested in the 3500 block of Dalebranch Drive for attempted murder when members of the Task Force responded to a call of a shooting in progress. Upon arrival officers and agents located a male with a gunshot wound to the chest. The suspected weapon, a 22-caliber handgun was on scene but due to it being an active crime scene, agents could not take photos or retrieve it. The victim was transported from the scene via fire rescue and Jackson was arrested on site.

In addition to the three Memphis arrests, a fourth Memphis murder suspect was arrested in Illinois.

Terry Johnson, 36, was arrested in Peoria, Illinois, by the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force.

Johnson is charged in Shelby County with first-degree murder (x2), criminal attempt first-degree murder (x4), employ firearm with intent to commit felony (x5), aggravated burglary, aggravated assault (x2), domestic assault bodily harm, petition to revoke susp sentence, termination of diversion, and theft of property $500 or less for his role in the Jan. 9, 2016, shooting death of 18-year-old high school student Ryan Gilliam, who was found unresponsive with a gunshot wound in the 3700 block of Pershing Park. Gilliam was taken to the hospital in critical condition and later died from his injuries.

Ongoing manhunt: The MSTF is asking the public’s help and, along with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, offering a combined reward of up to $32,500 for information leading to the capture of a man suspected of shooting a Memphis Police Department officer Feb. 27 during a traffic stop.

Danell Maxwell, 40, of Memphis, is wanted for attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, and employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, per an arrest warrant issued Feb. 28. He was added to the Tennessee Most Wanted list the same day.

Maxwell is Black, stands 5 feet 10 inches and weighs approximately 180 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair.  He was last seen wearing dark clothing and an orange and green reflective vest. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

Since the launch of the Memphis Safe Task Force initiative, officers have made 8,183 arrests, including 53 for homicide, 907 for controlled substances, 731 for firearms violations, and 103 for sex offenses. Of those arrested, 224 were juveniles and 835 were known gang members. The task force has seized 1,343 illegal firearms. These enforcement actions reflect a sustained commitment to reducing violent crime and removing dangerous weapons from Memphis neighborhoods.

The Memphis Safe Task Force (MSTF), a multi-agency initiative, was organized in September 2025 to combat violent crime in Memphis. It is composed of federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as the Tennessee National Guard, and focuses on arresting violent criminals, clearing warrants, seizing firearms, and locating missing children. Since the operation began, the MSTF has located 150 missing children.

This operation reflects the MSTF’s commitment to coordinated enforcement efforts and its mission to identify, apprehend, and hold accountable those who pose a threat to public safety.

Anyone with information about wanted fugitives is encouraged to submit it via the USMS Tips app.