Memphis, Tennessee — The Memphis Safe Task Force arrested four men wanted in separate violent cases on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, as part of a 44-arrest day that pushed the task force’s total arrests since its September 2025 launch to 13,795, according to a U.S. Marshals Service press release.
TL;DR: The Memphis Safe Task Force made 44 arrests on October 21, 2026, bringing its all-time total to 13,795. Among them were four men wanted in separate violent cases — including a convicted murderer who had been erroneously released from the Shelby County Jail on the very day he was convicted.
A Convicted Murderer Who Walked Out of Jail
The day’s most striking capture was Anthony Green, 25, who was convicted of First-Degree Murder on September 24, 2025 — and then erroneously released from the Shelby County Jail that very same day, the Marshals said.
On October 21, 2026, the task force got word Green was hiding at a relative’s apartment. Officers knocked and announced themselves but got no answer, then saw someone trying to jump out of a rear bedroom window. They breached the front door, and Green surrendered. He was taken to the Shelby County Criminal Justice Center without further incident.
Three More Wanted Men Taken Into Custody
Walter Caffey, 19, was arrested on a charge of First-Degree Murder in the April 16, 2024 killing of Donald Jennings. Memphis police had responded to a gas station in the 1100 block of Jackson Avenue and found Jennings dead from a gunshot wound. Caffey is alleged to have been one of three people in a verbal altercation with Jennings. A warrant was issued October 9, 2026, and the task force found Caffey in the 5200 block of Airview Road, arresting him without incident.
Dequarius Nash, 30, was arrested on charges of First-Degree Murder, five counts of Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony.
Marcus Powell, 42, was apprehended in the 3000 block of Champions Drive and charged with attempted rape, attempted criminal homicide and aggravated kidnapping with bodily injuries. In an October 19 incident, Powell allegedly strangled his girlfriend until she lost consciousness, held a knife to her neck, threatened to kill her, and raped her. The woman escaped while he slept.
Task Force Totals Keep Climbing
The Memphis Safe Task Force pairs federal, state and local law enforcement with the Tennessee National Guard. Since launching in September 2025 it has made 13,795 arrests — 147 for homicide, 1,490 for controlled substances, 1,362 for firearms violations and 126 for sex offenses — along with 445 juveniles and 1,553 known gang members. It has seized 2,317 illegal firearms and located 198 missing children, the Marshals said.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Memphis Safe Task Force?
A multi-agency task force led by the U.S. Marshals Service combining federal, state and local law enforcement plus the Tennessee National Guard to pursue violent criminals in the Memphis area. It launched in September 2025.
Who was arrested in the October 21 sweep?
The task force made 44 arrests that day. The four highlighted by the Marshals were Anthony Green, 25; Walter Caffey, 19; Dequarius Nash, 30; and Marcus Powell, 42.
How did Anthony Green end up free after a murder conviction?
Per the Marshals, Green was convicted of First-Degree Murder on September 24, 2025, and was erroneously released from the Shelby County Jail the same day. He was recaptured October 21, 2026, at a relative’s apartment.
What happened during Green’s arrest?
Officers knocked and announced themselves with no answer, saw someone trying to jump out of a rear bedroom window, breached the front door, and Green surrendered. He was taken to the Shelby County Criminal Justice Center without further incident.
What is Walter Caffey accused of?
First-Degree Murder in the April 16, 2024 shooting death of Donald Jennings at a gas station in the 1100 block of Jackson Avenue. Caffey is alleged to have been one of three people in a verbal altercation with Jennings. He was arrested without incident in the 5200 block of Airview Road.
What charges does Dequarius Nash face?
First-Degree Murder, five counts of Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony.
What happened in Marcus Powell’s case?
Powell was apprehended in the 3000 block of Champions Drive on charges of attempted rape, attempted criminal homicide and aggravated kidnapping with bodily injuries. In the October 19 incident, he allegedly strangled his girlfriend until she lost consciousness, held a knife to her neck, threatened to kill her, and raped her. She escaped while he slept.
What are the task force’s overall numbers?
Since September 2025: 13,795 arrests (147 homicide, 1,490 controlled substances, 1,362 firearms violations, 126 sex offenses); 445 juveniles; 1,553 known gang members; 2,317 illegal firearms seized; 198 missing children located.
