A Shelby County jury has convicted Ricky Booker of rape of a child and aggravated sexual battery, finding him guilty on all counts after a four-day trial. A sentencing hearing will be set for a later date.
The prosecution’s case focused on allegations that surfaced in 2022. The victim testified that Booker sexually abused her repeatedly between the ages of 9 and 12, according to Action News 5. Authorities said the abuse was reported to the Memphis Police Department and investigated by its Sex Crimes Unit, and that a forensic interview with the child was conducted as part of that investigation.
“This verdict reflects the courage it took for the victim to come forward and share what happened to her,” Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said, as reported by Action News 5. Booker’s formal sentencing date has not yet been set.
What jurors heard
Over several days, jurors listened to testimony and reviewed evidence that prosecutors said backed up the victim’s account. The case included a recorded forensic interview, a standard and developmentally appropriate method used to obtain legally defensible statements from children while trying to limit additional trauma, according to the Memphis Child Advocacy Center.
Legal context
Tennessee’s statute on rape of a child was amended in 2024 to classify the crime as a Class A felony and to permit penalties that can include death, life without parole, or life in prison. Those changes are reflected in the updated state code, as posted by Justia.
The U.S. Supreme Court has previously held that imposing the death penalty for child rape when the victim did not die raises constitutional concerns. That position was outlined in Oyez’s summary of Kennedy v. Louisiana, so any attempt to seek capital punishment in cases like this could face legal challenges.
What happens next
Booker will be brought back to court for sentencing at a later date, where prosecutors and defense attorneys typically offer competing recommendations to the judge. After sentencing, the conviction and any punishment that follows can be challenged through the post-conviction and appellate procedures available under Tennessee law.
Support and resources
Families and victims seeking help can turn to the Memphis Child Advocacy Center, which provides forensic interviews, victim advocacy and trauma-focused therapy, and works alongside investigators and prosecutors during cases. Anyone in immediate danger should call 911. The Memphis Child Advocacy Center’s website lists its services and contact options for survivors and their families.
