Media

Joint Law Enforcement Investigation Leads To Suspected Killer Of Missing Code Enforcement Inspector

Release Date: July 15, 2004

A Memphis man has been charged with First Degree Murder in connection with the disappearance of Mickey Wright, a code enforcement inspector who was last seen alive three years ago.

“All of us in law enforcement, and especially Mr. Wright’s family, have been determined to find the person who may be responsible for his disappearance and apparent murder. I give my thanks to the efforts of Shelby County Deputy Joe Everson, the lead investigator in this case from the Sheriff’s Office, and the many others who, working in partnership with us, provided vital assistance in making an arrest in this case,” said Shelby County Sheriff Mark H. Luttrell, Jr.

Several agencies were involved in this investigation. They include:

• The Federal Bureau of Investigation Evidence Response Unit
• U. S. Attorney’s Office
• Safe Streets Task Force
• Shelby County District Attorney’s Office
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
• Shelby County Detective Bureau
• Metro Gang Unit
• Memphis Police Department Investigative Services
• Memphis Police Department Bomb Squad

Earlier this week, investigators received information that Dale Mardis, 50, of Memphis, may be involved in Wright’s disappearance. After searching Mardis’ home on Elzey in the midtown area, he was taken into custody yesterday and questioned about the murder. This afternoon Dale Mardis was officially charged with Mr. Wright’s murder.

Mickey Wright disappeared on April 17, 2001, after visiting a property on Lamar Avenue owned by Mardis. A few days after that, Wright’s Shelby County identification card and some other items were found near a creek in Desoto County. Several days later, Wright’s Shelby County Code Enforcement Truck was found burned in a field in Marshall County Mississippi.

Investigators talked with Mardis after Wright’s disappearance but he denied knowing anything about what happened to him.

Mickey Wright’s body was never found. Yet, earlier this year, a judge reviewed the facts of the case and declared him legally dead.

Prosecutors say they now have sufficient evidence to charge Dale Mardis with Wright’s murder.

Dale Mardis is being held in the Shelby County Jail. No bond has been set.