Mackala Ross, 13

Memphis, Tennessee
August 30, 2012

Agencies: Memphis Police Department Tennessee | Tennessee Bureau of Investigation TBI

Cause of death: Not Yet Known


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Last updated: almost 4 years ago

Overview

Mackala Ross was killed by a speeding police officer.  The family’s vehicle was turning when former Memphis police officer Alex Beard plowed into them. Beard was speeding to a call with no siren when he rammed into their car, killing 13-year-old Mackala Ross and her mother, Delores Epps, age 53.  Mackala’s father, Michael Ross, was severely injured, but survived the crash.

"'It was a slap in the face. Two people were killed and they injured me. And they give him six months for murdering two people?' said Michael Ross, Mackala’s father. 'We didn’t get no justice. I blame the DA. He took my family and (only) got six months.'"

Legal Action

February 2013 Officer fired

Community and Family Efforts

#SayHerName

October 2013 Graveside memorial