MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Shelby County judge has filed an order of protection against her brother, who happens to work in the DA’s office and is also a former judge.
Earlier this month, Criminal Court Division 1 Judge Paula Skahan filed a protection order against Gerald Skahan, a former judge.
Attorney Mark McDaniel Senior spoke with WREG by phone. He represents Judge Paula Skahan.
“I think it’s a family feud where I believe emotions just got the better of folks and steps had to be taken to calm the emotions,” McDaniel said. “There were some family health issues that were involved, you know, that kind of created the perfect storm.”
According to the order of protection, Gerald Skahan allegedly threatened to kill his sister.
“There were text messages that were sent on three occasions, one directly to Judge Skahan and the other two to family members. The text messages suggested a threat of bodily injury,” McDaniel said.
One text allegedly sent by Gerald Skahan reads, “She will be lucky if I don’t kill her before I go.”
Gerald Skahan, the DA’s special assistant for post-conviction litigation, allegedly made the threats because he blames his sister for his 2022 election loss and because of a family will.
WREG was not able to reach GeraldSkahan for comment, but we did talk to DA Steve Mulroy.
“I’m sorry we just can’t go into that. It’s a pending matter and a personal matter,” Mulroy said. “My understanding is there’s been an agreement reached that if there’s no further development in six months the case is going to go away. That’s what I heard from all parties involved.”
That agreement could possibly end a high-profile family feud between a sister and brother.
“Fortunately, they have reached an amicable resolution and really don’t anticipate any further problems,” McDaniel said.
The D.A.’s Office also sent a statement to us saying, “We are aware of the order of protection that exists between our employee and a family member. While orders of protection don’t imply guilt, any legal matter involving an employee is always reviewed by our office.”
WREG has also learned a February 1 hearing has been scheduled regarding the dispute, but if there are no further issues the order of protection could be dismissed.
