Media

Deputy Attacked in Court

Release Date: December 16, 2002

Deputy Gordon Abernathie

A Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputy is recovering from injuries this evening he received today when a scuffle broke out in Criminal Court. Jail inmate Miguel McKee attacked Deputy Gordon Abernathie who was working as a bailiff in Criminal Court, Division Eight.

McKee, 26, of Memphis, had been taken to Judge Chris Craft’s Court to answer charges for First Degree Murder, Attempted First Degree Murder and Robbery when the incident occurred. Deputies say McKee was inside a prisoner holding area, behind the courtroom, when he struck Deputy Abernathie in the face, knocking him into a wall.

Deputy Abernathie suffered minor injuries to his head and was taken to Methodist University Hospital where he was treated and later released. McKee, who was not injured in the scuffle, was charged with Assault for hitting Deputy Abernathie.