Mistrial declared in child rape trial of former Memphis police officer

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - A mistrial has been declared due to a hung jury in the trial of a former Memphis police officer accused of raping a child, according to the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office.

Marcus Hayes will face a new trial after proceedings that began over the weekend ended without a verdict. Hayes is charged with raping a 9-year-old family member and inappropriately touching the child several times between April 2023 and November 2024.

Hayes was indicted in May 2025 on charges of aggravated rape involving a minor and aggravated sexual battery. He was hired by the Memphis Police Department in December 2023 and was terminated following the indictment. In May 2026, Hayes faced state decertification before the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission.

Hayes remains held on a $500,000 bond. A judge previously denied a bond reduction request in June 2026. A new bond hearing is scheduled for next week.

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