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Noon Crime Report

Friday, September 4, 2026

Man charged after 14-year-old suffered third-degree burns. Memphis police arrested Tyjuan Hassell after investigators said he threw boiling water into a 14-year-old boy’s face Wednesday in the New Pathways neighborhood; the boy was hospitalized in critical condition, as reported by Action News 5 Friday morning. Hassell faces an aggravated-assault charge, which is an accusation and not a conviction.

Man critically wounded in North Memphis shooting. Police responded to a shooting call on Chelsea Avenue at about 2:20 a.m. and learned that a man had arrived at Regional One Health with a gunshot wound to the chest, as reported by Action News 5. The victim was listed in critical condition, and no suspect or arrest information had been released by noon.

Two puppies valued at $9,000 stolen from Frayser-area home. A resident of the 4000 block of Overton Crossing told police that burglars entered the home and took two micro pit bull puppies valued at $4,500 each, as reported by KWAM Friday. The burglary occurred August 28, and CrimeStoppers is seeking information at 901-528-CASH.

Thursday, September 3, 2026

Three women detained after man allegedly struck by vehicle near airport. Three women were taken into custody Thursday afternoon after a man was allegedly struck by a vehicle near Frederick W. Smith International Airport, as reported by ABC24. The initial report described the women as being in custody and did not establish any conviction

Man charged with shooting the mother of his child at a birthday party. Shavos Butler, 32, is accused of shooting the woman during an August 16 argument outside a dance studio on Austin Peay Highway, as reported by La Prensa Latina. Butler faces attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault and domestic-assault charges and is being held on a $500,000 bond; the charges are allegations, not convictions.

Armed robber sought after MetroPCS holdup. A masked man carrying a handgun threatened employees, took money from the registers and fled the MetroPCS at 1101 South Bellevue Boulevard on foot following the August 30 robbery, as revealed by the Memphis Police Department. No arrest had been announced, and police asked anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

Wednesday, September 2

Two charged after 2.6 pounds of suspected fentanyl intercepted. Shelby County Sheriff’s detectives arrested Romi Butler, 47, and Herbert Harvey, 55, after postal inspectors intercepted a suspicious package and a substance inside field-tested positive for fentanyl, as reported by Action News 5. The men face drug charges, while the separate allegations also include weapons offenses, aggravated assault and evading arrest; neither has been convicted in this case.

19-year-old charged after alleged five-day, $11,000 shoplifting spree. Memphis police arrested Justin McGee after investigators linked him to a group accused of stealing more than $11,000 in merchandise from five Memphis-area stores between August 27 and August 31, as reported by Action News 5. McGee faces five theft-of-property counts; the charges are allegations, not convictions.

Tuesday, September 1

Getaway driver sentenced to 15 years in Memphis bank-robbery conspiracy. A federal judge sentenced Courtney Trenell, 34, to 15 years in prison for aiding and abetting two bank robberies and conspiring to rob six banks, as revealed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee. A jury convicted Trenell in July 2025; prosecutors said he drove the getaway car when Bank of Bartlett and First Horizon branches were robbed simultaneously in October 2023.

Wolfchase Hotel Search Uncovers 6,000 Fentanyl Pills: An officer visiting Memphis for training accidentally discovered about 6,104 pressed fentanyl pills hidden in a Wolfchase-area hotel room Aug. 27, prompting a seizure by the West Tennessee Drug Task Force, though no charges have been filed. Action News 5

Former Bank Teller Accused of Stealing $60,000: Demeries Coplin Brooks, 24, faces theft, forgery, criminal-simulation and fraudulent-use charges after investigators alleged he used old withdrawal slips to take money from customer accounts while employed at a Poplar Avenue bank, as reported in Action News 5.

New Suspect Arrested in OUTMemphis Shooting: Memphis Police arrested Lorenzo Matthews, 38, after an Aug. 20 indictment charged him with attempted second-degree murder and related offenses in the May 5 shooting that seriously injured two women at OUTMemphis, as reported in The Commercial Appeal.

MONDAY, AUGUST 31

Bystander Wounded by Stray Bullet During Roadside Gunfight: A 41-year-old man told Memphis Police he was near Lamar and Central avenues yesterday when occupants of two vehicles exchanged gunfire and a round passed through his door and struck his ankle, as reported in Action News 5.

Man Charged After Woman Dies in Jardin Place Shooting: Memphis Police charged Rontavious Dillard, 23, with second-degree murder and firearms offenses yesterday after a woman shot Sunday night in Southeast Memphis died at Regional One Health, as reported in FOX13 Memphis.

Monday, August 31, 2026

Man charged with murder in fatal Jardin Place shooting. A Monday-morning report identified Rontavious Dillard, 23, as charged with second-degree murder after Nyla Howell was shot around 8 p.m. Sunday in the 5800 block of Jardin Place and died at Regional One Health, as reported by Action News 5. Court documents say Dillard gave conflicting accounts before claiming a gun discharged during a contest to see who could draw fastest. He also faces evidence-tampering and firearm charges; the allegations have not resulted in a conviction.

Man accused of choking and knocking an officer unconscious. Erik Salinas faces charges of assaulting a law enforcement officer, evading arrest and unlawful firearm possession, according to a report published Monday morning, as reported by Action News 5. An affidavit alleges he fled an attempted traffic stop on Raleigh-Lagrange Road, threw an officer to the ground, then choked and struck him until he briefly lost consciousness. Salinas was later arrested; these are charges, not convictions.

Sunday, August 30, 2026

Restaurant shootout leaves one dead, three injured; suspect sought. A parking-lot fight at 6433 Winchester Road erupted in gunfire shortly after 2 a.m. Sunday, August 30, killing one man and injuring three people, as reported by FOX13 Memphis. A suspected shooter and a woman were detained after seeking treatment at a Mississippi hospital; no charges had been publicly announced. Police were searching for another suspect last seen wearing a blue shirt and fleeing in a white sedan.

Winchester Road shooting leaves one dead, three injured. Police responded around 2 a.m. to a restaurant at 6433 Winchester Road, where one man died and another was hospitalized in non-critical condition, as reported by ABC24. Investigators said gunfire followed a parking-lot fight; a suspected shooter and a woman later arrived at a Mississippi hospital with non-critical injuries and were detained. Police were seeking another suspect who fled in a white sedan; no charges were announced in the cited coverage.

ICE operation on Macon Road prompts reports of mass detentions. ICE confirmed a multi-agency enforcement operation early Sunday at a Macon Road business, as reported by ABC24. An immigrant-advocacy group said about 100 people were detained, but ICE had not provided a detention count in that report. The advocacy group's estimate does not establish criminal charges or convictions against those detained.

Early edition: verified information available as of 6:19 a.m. Central; this edition does not yet cover the full period through noon.

Police report fatal shooting involving SUV with child inside. In an August 30 update, police said a man wounded August 24 at New Horn Lake Road and West Brooks Road later died, as revealed by the Memphis Police Department. Officers found his bullet-struck SUV after it hit a pole; a juvenile in the backseat was uninjured. Police are seeking information about the shooting, which occurred shortly after 4 p.m. August 24.

Saturday, August 29, 2026

Evening Raleigh shooting critically wounds man. Officers responded shortly after 7:30 p.m. to Beverly Hills Street and Cedar Glenn Drive, where a man was found critically injured and taken to a hospital, as reported by Action News 5. Police described the suspect vehicle as a white sedan and said the investigation remained active.

Another man critically wounded in afternoon Raleigh shooting. Police responded just after 3 p.m. to Raleigh-Millington Road and Alps Road and found a man who was hospitalized in critical condition, as reported by Action News 5. Investigators were seeking a suspect described as a heavyset man with dreadlocks, a red hoodie and blue jeans.

Cordova shooting injures man; Starbucks struck by gunfire. A man was shot near Houston Levee Road and Macon Road Saturday afternoon. A nearby Starbucks was also struck by gunfire, as reported by WREG News Channel 3.

Arrest announced in OUTMemphis shooting. In a statement released Saturday, police announced that Lorenzo Matthews, 38, was arrested August 28 in connection with the May 5 shooting at 892 Cooper Street that critically injured a man and a woman, as revealed by the Memphis Police Department. An August 20 indictment charged him with attempted second-degree murder, two counts of aggravated assault and employment of a firearm with intent to commit a felony. These are charges, not convictions.

Friday, August 28

Soulsville shooting leaves man critically wounded. Police found a man with critical injuries in the 1100 block of Englewood Street after a shooting reported about 6:21 p.m.; several people were detained for questioning. No arrests or charges had been announced, as reported by Hoodline from FOX13 Memphis reporting.

Three Masked Gunmen Sought After South Memphis Apartment Gunfire. Police are searching for three masked men accused of firing at the El Dorado Apartments on Ketchum Road and fleeing north on Pendleton Street in a Kia. No injuries were announced, as reported by Action News 5.

Thursday, August 27

Cordova Murder Suspect Found Fatally Shot in Mississippi; Children Recovered Safely. Police say Larry Berry, 35, allegedly killed the mother of his children at the Trinity Lakes Apartments before fleeing with the two children, who were later found unharmed in Robinsonville, Mississippi. After an hours-long manhunt, Berry was discovered with an apparent gunshot wound in woods near Marks and died while being transported to a hospital, as revealed by the Memphis Police Department.

Memphis Man Gets 65 Years for Kidnapping and Filming Assault of 4-Year-Old. Daireus Ice was sentenced to 65 years in prison for helping abduct a 4-year-old girl from her front yard in 2018 while another man sexually assaulted her and Ice recorded the crime. Ice has three additional cases involving similar allegations still pending, as reported by ABC24.

Neighbor Charged With Murder in Cordova Stabbing. Joziah Elzie was charged with first-degree murder after police said he stabbed a neighbor at the Trinity Lakes Apartments. Investigators recovered a blood-covered knife and clothing and obtained security footage allegedly showing Elzie at the scene, as reported by Action News 5.

Man Faces Charges After Fleeing Court: Memphis Police said 22-year-old Devin Johnson faces additional charges after allegedly bolting from a courtroom when a judge revoked his bond in a weapons case today. — WREG

One Killed in Airport-Area Crash: Memphis Police said one man died and two people were injured in a two-vehicle crash Wednesday night in the 2400 block of East Holmes Road. — WREG

Memphis Launches Mental-Health 911 Option: The City of Memphis now lets callers request mental-health help alongside police, fire or ambulance service so crisis cases can be routed more quickly to appropriate responders. — Behavioral Healthcare Network

Cordova mother killed; two children recovered safely. Memphis police found a woman fatally shot about 7:30 a.m. at Trinity Lakes Apartments in the 7900 block of Racquetball Lane and determined that her two children had been taken in a black Mercedes. The children were later found safe at a home in Robinsonville, Mississippi, while police continued searching for their father, 35-year-old Larry Berry, as reported by Action News 5.

Wednesday, August 26

Neighbor charged with first-degree murder in Cordova stabbing. Police arrested Joziah Elzie after a man was stabbed in the neck at Trinity Lakes Apartments; officers reportedly recovered a blood-covered knife and clothing and obtained security video placing Elzie at the scene. Elzie is charged with first-degree murder, not convicted, as reported by Action News 5.

Court updates

Wednesday, Aug. 26

Tuesday, Aug. 25

Brothers Arrested After Two Wounded Outside Lounge: Brandan Johnson and Jamal Johnson were arrested in connection with an August 9 shooting outside Focuz Lounge on Shelby Oaks Drive that wounded two people, as reported by Action News 5. An arrest affidavit alleges the brothers opened fire after an earlier altercation and then fled; both victims reached a hospital by private vehicle. The report said formal charges were still pending, and neither man had been convicted.

Man fatally stabbed near Memphis Police headquarters. Officers found a man with stab wounds in the 200 block of North Main Street shortly after 11 p.m. Monday; he was pronounced dead at the scene, as reported by Action News 5. Police said a verbal argument turned violent and described the suspect as last seen wearing a black T-shirt and shorts. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH.

Two masked Frayser gunmen remain at large. No arrests had been announced by noon Tuesday after two masked men opened fire in the 2600 block of North Hollywood Street around 1:55 a.m. Monday, killing a man and leaving a woman hospitalized in non-critical condition, as reported by FOX13 Memphis. Both suspects fled, and anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH.

Monday, Aug. 24

Man accused of running over girlfriend held on $500,000 bond. Daiunique Carrick, 20, was charged with attempted second-degree murder and domestic assault after police said he dragged his girlfriend from a car, knocked her down and ran over her following an argument on Allshore Street, as reported by Action News 5. The woman was taken to Regional One Health with abrasions and lacerations.

Animal-cruelty defendant rearrested after missing court. Anthony Gailey-Burdine, 32, was rebooked Monday on a bench warrant after violating bond conditions in an aggravated-animal-cruelty case, as reported by Action News 5. Police said witnesses saw a leashed pit bull being dragged from a moving vehicle on Park Avenue in April; Gailey-Burdine had been released on $7,500 bond but failed to appear in court last week.

Jury convicts man in killing of 8-year-old Jordyn Washington. Cedric Conley, 47, was convicted of reckless homicide, attempted voluntary manslaughter, being a felon in possession of a handgun, reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon and employing a firearm during a dangerous felony, as revealed by the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors said Conley fired an assault-style rifle during a 2020 dispute at a Raleigh apartment complex, and one round struck Jordyn in the head while she stood in her grandmother’s kitchen.

Arrest made nine months after Whitehaven homicide. James Hoggs was arrested Aug. 22 and charged with first-degree murder in the Nov. 7 shooting on Dalebranch Road near Millbranch Road that killed Antonio Brown, 35, as reported by Action News 5. Hoggs was booked on a $500,000 bond.

Monday, August 24, 2026

Officer Fired After Tyre Nichols Beating Ordered Back With Back Pay: Former Memphis police officer Adrian Blakes is set to return to the department with full back pay after winning a grievance and having the Tennessee POST Commission lift his certification suspension, as reported by The 901 Report. MPD fired Blakes in 2023 after department records said he saw officers kick Tyre Nichols, failed to intervene or report it, and later denied witnessing the conduct; Blakes was not criminally charged. The grievance decision reversing his firing has not been made public, and no back-pay amount or return assignment has been disclosed.

Sunday, August 23, 2026

No Major New Incident Confirmed: A fresh review of Memphis and Shelby County police, sheriff and credible local-media reporting found no major new crime incident assigned to Sunday that had not already been covered.

Friday, August 21, 2026

Family Attorney Challenges Task Force Shooting After Viewing Body-Camera Footage: An attorney for Jonah Neal’s family says body-camera footage casts doubt on whether the 25-year-old posed an imminent threat when a Homeland Security Investigations agent shot him during a May 20 mental-health call, as reported by NPR. Attorney Andre Wharton said the video appears to show Neal at a distance from agents and records one agent identifying a knife—not a firearm—seconds before another agent fired. The footage has not been released publicly, no official finding has been announced, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s inquiry remains open. See story in major news column left.

Saturday, August 22, 2026

Missing Endangered Cordova Teen Located Safe: The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office issued a public alert Saturday for 15-year-old Sebastian Lindsey, who had reportedly left his Cordova home late Wednesday and required medication, as revealed by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. ABC24 later updated its report to say Sebastian had been located safely. No criminal allegation was announced in connection with his disappearance.

Grand Jury Indicts Woman in 14-Shot Killing: A Shelby County grand jury indicted 18-year-old Alishon Torres on three charges, including first-degree murder, in the killing of Noe Rincon, as reported by Action News 5. Prosecutors allege Torres shot Rincon at least 10 times after an accusation that he had touched her 5-year-old sister inappropriately; the indictment is a formal charge, not a conviction. Torres is scheduled to return to court Sept. 2.

Father’s Bail Lowered in 5-Year-Old’s Fatal Shooting: A Shelby County judge reduced Marquavious Washington’s bail from $100,000 to $75,000 after he was charged in the accidental shooting death of his 5-year-old son, as reported by ABC24. Washington faces charges of criminally negligent homicide, reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon and aggravated child neglect after authorities said the child retrieved a gun and shot himself; those allegations have not resulted in a conviction.

Whitehaven House Fire Ruled Arson: Memphis Fire investigators determined that someone intentionally set a Thursday-afternoon fire at a home on Hodge Road near Fairley High School. No one was injured, but damage was estimated at $80,000, as reported by Action News 5; no arrest had been announced by noon Friday.

Thursday, August 20

School Employee Charged After Delivery Driver Stabbed: Memphis police arrested American Way Middle School employee Braxton Stewart, 36, on an aggravated-assault charge after a delivery dispute Thursday morning allegedly ended with a driver stabbed six times with a pen. The victim was hospitalized in non-critical condition, as reported by Action News 5; the charge is an accusation, not a conviction.

Two Young Mob Members Plead Guilty: Edgar Smith, 40, and Cedric Jackson, 35, pleaded guilty Thursday to federal RICO-conspiracy charges tied to robberies and attempted robberies; Smith also admitted involvement in a fentanyl-distribution conspiracy. Both face maximum 20-year prison terms when sentenced in December, as revealed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee.

Father in 3-Year-Old’s Death Set for Mental Evaluation: Relatives held a Thursday vigil for Joseph Martinez, the 3-year-old whose body was found in a suitcase after he was reported missing in July. His father, Saul Martinez, is charged with first-degree murder and is due back in court next month for a mental evaluation, as reported by ABC24; no conviction has been entered.

Armed-Robbery Suspects Sought After Stolen Car Recovered: Police released images Thursday of people sought in an armed home robbery in the 2000 block of Winchester Road in which a phone, laptop, cash, wallet and car keys were taken; the victim’s car was stolen days later and recovered near Jefferson Avenue. Investigators believe the same group used the stolen keys to take the vehicle, as revealed by the Memphis Police Department.

CRIME UPDATE AUGUST 18-19

Wednesday, August 19

One Jailer Convicted, One Acquitted in Freeman Death: A Shelby County jury today convicted former corrections deputy Courtney Parham of criminally negligent homicide in the 2022 jail death of inmate Gershun Freeman and acquitted fellow deputy Stevon Jones on all counts. Daily Memphian

MPD Chief Seeks Permanent Federal Task Force Presence: Memphis Police Department Chief C.J. Davis today asked leaders of the Memphis Safe Task Force to maintain a permanent federal presence in the city once the current deployment ends. Daily Memphian

Woman Turns Herself In After Stabbing Mother to Death: A woman turned herself in to Memphis Police Department today after officers say she fatally stabbed her mother in North Memphis. Action News 5

Five Arrested in Georgia After $200K Memphis Auto Parts Heist: Memphis Police Department said today that five suspects were arrested in Georgia following a multi-state pursuit tied to a $200,000 auto parts theft. Action News 5

Tuesday, August 18

Serial Restaurant Robber Gets Added Federal Time: Clayton Bratcher, already serving time for armed robberies at three Memphis fast-food restaurants, received added federal prison time yesterday after prosecutors secured a new indictment. Action News 5

Father Charged After Son's Accidental Shooting Death: The Shelby County Sheriff's Office charged Marquavious Washington yesterday with criminally negligent homicide after his 5-year-old son fatally shot himself with a gun found in their home. FOX13 Memphis

Church's Chicken Burglary Suspect Sought in Orange Mound: Memphis Police Department was searching yesterday for a masked suspect who cut through a back door and forced open a safe at a Church's Chicken in Orange Mound. La Prensa Latina

Crime Update —Aug. 13–15

Six-Year-Old Dies After Being Left in Daycare Van: Winter Jones, a 6-year-old nonverbal autistic child, died Aug. 13 after being found inside a vehicle at Kid University on Walnut Knoll Lane. Memphis police said no charges had been filed and the investigation remained active.

Fugitive Accused of Shooting at Hospital Guards: Police said Brandon Lark, 37, allegedly fired at Baptist Memorial Hospital-East security officers shortly before 2 a.m. Aug. 13 before fleeing; no one was injured. Lark was arrested later in Horn Lake and faces aggravated-assault and firearms charges in Memphis, according to Action News 5.

Five Teenagers Charged in Armed Store Robbery: Four 14-year-olds and a 13-year-old were charged with aggravated robbery after police said a group stole more than $8,000 in tobacco and vaping products from Landmark Market on Horn Lake Road. One suspect allegedly pointed a gun at a clerk who tried to activate an alarm, according to Action News 5.

Couple Accused of Terrorizing Duplex Residents: George Jackson and Makiyah Marks were arrested after police said they kicked through the doors of two South Memphis duplex units, forced residents to strip and lie on the floor, and took their money. Both face multiple burglary and robbery charges; police also reported finding cocaine and ecstasy on Jackson, according to Action News 5.

Woman Charged as Accomplice in Fatal Faxon Avenue Robbery: Katira Johnson was charged with first-degree murder after investigators alleged she summoned her boyfriend, Tomarrion Smith, to a parked Cadillac before Smith shot its occupant and the pair searched the vehicle. Surveillance video helped identify both suspects, according to Action News 5.

Whitehaven Gas-Station Murder Charge: Kevin Barnes was charged with murder, attempted murder and firearms offenses in a shooting that killed a man and wounded a woman at a Whitehaven gas station. Police had two people in custody and continued looking for another suspect, according to Action News 5.

Body Found During Downtown Traffic Stop: Memphis officers stopped Tyronne Brazille, 50, near South Second Street and Pontotoc Avenue and discovered 50-year-old Lanessa Bradford dead from a gunshot wound inside his vehicle. Baton Rouge police allege Brazille killed Bradford in Louisiana before driving more than five hours to Memphis; he was jailed pending extradition, according to ABC24.

Man Shot at Whitehaven Car Wash: Officers found a man wounded at 3419 Elvis Presley Boulevard shortly after 10 a.m. Aug. 15. He was hospitalized in noncritical condition, and police detained one person after initially reporting that a suspect fled in a black vehicle, according to Action News 5.

Murder Suspect Sought After Argument: Police issued a first-degree-murder warrant for Eddie Lee Gant III, 28, accusing him of shooting 53-year-old Darrell Neely several times following an argument on Ridge Lake Drive. Gant allegedly fled in a red Dodge Avenger and remained wanted as of Aug. 15, according to Memphis police.

Aug. 12 — Man Kills Woman, Then Himself in Soulsville

Police found a man and woman shot shortly after 12:40 a.m. in the 600 block of Stephens Place. MPD said the man shot the woman before killing himself; the woman later died at a hospital. Neither has been identified. WREG News Channel 3

Aug. 12 — Third Teen Arrested in Trunk-Party Mass Shooting

MPD arrested a 16-year-old boy in the Aug. 8 Brookins Street shooting that killed Shandrika Hayslett and wounded four others. The teenager joins two adult defendants and faces first-degree murder and six attempted first-degree murder charges. ABC24

Aug. 12 — Six Suspects Sought in $8,500 Whitehaven Robbery

Police said six young men entered Landmark Market at 4775 Horn Lake Road, smashed a display case and stole about $8,500 in tobacco and vape products. One allegedly pointed a handgun at the clerk when he tried to activate an alarm. Memphis Police Department

Aug. 12 — Man Accused of Using Cash App During Armed Robbery

Marcus Crutcher is accused of confronting a man at a Windover Road apartment complex, pointing a gun and taking $326 through Cash App before stealing the victim’s phone. Crutcher faces attempted carjacking, aggravated robbery, firearm and theft charges. Action News 5

Aug. 11 — Man Found Shot Beside Cordova Road

Shelby County deputies found a wounded man along the 800 block of Houston Levee Road near Humphrey Road shortly before 11 p.m. He was taken to Regional One in critical condition; no suspect information was released. WREG News Channel 3

Aug. 11 — Man Critically Wounded in North Memphis

A man was shot near Henry Avenue and North Seventh Street shortly after 7:30 p.m. and hospitalized in critical condition. Police detained four people but announced no arrests. WREG News Channel 3

Aug. 11 — Student Arrested With Stolen Gun at Millington School

A Millington Central Middle High School student was arrested after authorities allegedly found a stolen handgun inside the student’s backpack. No injuries were reported. ABC24

Aug. 11 — Woman Charged With Robbing Cancer Patient

Tiffany Jackson allegedly lured a chemotherapy patient to a home, where two men attacked him and she took his wallet, $80 and prescription oxycodone. Jackson faces robbery, theft and abuse-of-a-vulnerable-adult charges. Action News 5

August 10-9

Trunk Party Shooting Victim Identified as Rising Memphis Doctor: Update from previous post: the woman fatally shot at a Northeast Memphis "trunk party" over the weekend has been identified as Dr. Shandrika Hayslett, 34, according to La Prensa Latina Media, which cited state Rep.-elect Telisa Franklin. Hayslett, who had earned her doctorate in May, died at the scene on Brookins Street after gunfire erupted at a party celebrating a relative's college acceptance. Action News 5 reports three of the four wounded victims have since been released from the hospital, while one remains in critical condition. No arrests have been announced.

Six Arrested as Task Force Raids Hickory Hill Nightclub: Memphis Police, working with the Memphis Safe Task Force's Organized Crime Unit, arrested six people and seized marijuana, cash, firearms and a digital scale during a raid on a nightclub near Knight Arnold and Ridgeway roads, as reported by Action News 5. Investigators say the club's co-owner faces charges tied to unlawful alcohol sales and felony narcotics, while two armed security guards were charged with providing armed security without state licensing. The Memphis Police Department said the location had generated 27 incident reports since December and was found operating at more than three times its approved occupancy.

August 9

Woman Killed, Four Wounded at Northeast Memphis Trunk Party: A 34-year-old woman was shot and killed and four others were wounded late Saturday night when gunfire broke out at a "trunk party" gathering hundreds of people on Brookins Street, according to Action News 5. The Memphis Police Department said it has identified three suspects but has not released names as the investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH.

Two Men Critically Wounded in Sherwood Forest Shooting: Two men were found shot inside a home in the 3800 block of Philsdale Avenue early Saturday, one unconscious in a pool of blood, in what police are investigating as a domestic violence-related shooting, FOX13 Memphis reports. Investigators recovered rifle shell casings and live rounds at the scene, and no arrests have been made. The home sits on the same block where Memphis recorded its first homicide of 2026 in January.

Byhalia Standoff Ends With Suspect Killed by Police: A Memphis man, Russell Kelly Jr., 47, was fatally shot by police early Saturday after a nearly 10-hour standoff in Byhalia, Mississippi, following a shooting that authorities say left a woman dead inside a home, according to FOX13 Memphis. Officers said Kelly opened fire on responding officers, prompting a DeSoto County SWAT response; he was killed after continuing to fire on officers late in the standoff. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is reviewing the shooting, standard process for officer-involved deaths.

Trial Begins for Shelby County Jailers Charged in 2022 Inmate Death: Trial got underway for two former Shelby County Division of Correction officers, Courtney Parham and Stevon Jones, who are charged with second-degree murder and aggravated assault in the 2022 death of inmate Gershun Freeman, according to The Daily Memphian. The case is among several in recent years examining conditions and use-of-force practices inside the Shelby County Jail.

Second Suspect Arrested in Oklahoma City for South Memphis Motorcyclist Killing: U.S. Marshals with the Memphis Safe Task Force say Joseph Harris, 37, was arrested in Oklahoma City on charges tied to the July 21 fatal shooting of a motorcyclist near Wilson Street and Gil Avenue, as reported by Action News 5. Ashundra Lee, 39, was arrested a day earlier in the same case. Both were taken into custody without incident by the U.S. Marshals Service's Western Oklahoma Fugitive Task Force.

30 Missing Shelby County Children Recovered in Six-Day Task Force Operation: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says a six-day multi-agency operation recovered 30 missing or runaway children, ages 10 to 17, after investigators checked more than 100 addresses across Shelby County, according to La Prensa Latina Media. The operation, which ran from July 29 through Aug. 3, involved the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Marshals Service, Memphis Police, the Memphis Safe Task Force and the Tennessee Department of Children's Services. All 30 children were confirmed safe.

August 8

Trial Opens for Shelby County Jailers Charged in 2022 Inmate Death: Two Shelby County corrections deputies, Courtney Parham and Stevon Jones, went on trial this week on charges of second-degree murder and aggravated assault in the 2022 death of inmate Gershun Freeman, according to The Daily Memphian. Testimony began Friday and continued into the weekend, per Action News 5. (see story at left)

August 7

Six-Day Operation Recovers 30 Missing Shelby County Children: A multi-agency operation led by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's Missing Persons Clearinghouse, with the U.S. Marshals Service, the Memphis Safe Task Force, the Memphis Police Department and the Tennessee Department of Children's Services, located and safely recovered 30 children and teens ages 10 to 17 who had been reported missing, absent or as runaways in Shelby County between July 29 and August 3, according to La Prensa Latina. Two of the children were found in Georgia and one in Mississippi; all were located safe, TBI Director David Rausch said.

Indicted Millington Officer Fired for Falsifying Timesheets: Millington police officer Bryan Childress, 48, was fired after an internal investigation found he had filed false timesheets and pocketed nearly $3,000, according to The Daily Memphian. Childress was indicted this week on charges of theft between $2,500 and $10,000 and official misconduct.

Man Found Shot to Death at Southeast Memphis Apartments: Memphis police are investigating after a man was found shot dead at an apartment complex in the 6800 block of Ridge Lake Drive early Friday morning, according to Action News 5. No suspect information has been released.

Gunmen Sought After Vollintine-Area Shooting Leaves Man Critical: Memphis police released descriptions of two suspects wanted in a Friday afternoon shooting on North Watkins Street near Vollintine Avenue that left a man with life-threatening injuries, according to Action News 5. The suspects fled in a brown or burgundy sedan.

Frayser Shooting Leaves Man Hospitalized: A man was hospitalized in critical condition after gunfire broke out in the 1100 block of Dellwood Avenue Friday night, with a stray round also striking a nearby apartment, according to WREG and Action News 5. No arrests had been announced as of Saturday morning.

August 5

Man Charged After 9-Year-Old Helps Mother Escape Vehicle Attack: Memphis Police arrested and charged 27-year-old Khy'ric Mason with attempted first-degree murder, kidnapping, theft and domestic assault, accusing him of trying to strangle and break the neck of his ex-girlfriend before biting a hole in her cheek inside a parked vehicle on Shenandoah Drive, according to La Prensa Latina. Police say the woman's 9-year-old son helped her escape the vehicle during the attack; Mason remains in custody.

Coworker Charged in Fatal Rozelle Shooting: Memphis Police charged 21-year-old Ashton Williams with voluntary manslaughter, possession of a firearm during a dangerous felony, theft and drug possession after a fatal shooting near Roland Street in the Rozelle neighborhood, as reported by FOX13 Memphis. Officers responding to a Tuesday morning shooting call found a man with severe injuries who later died at the hospital; investigators say the shooting followed a dispute between two coworkers at an HVAC company job site.

Teen Charged After Shooting Wounds Man, Child at South Memphis Market: Memphis Police arrested and charged 19-year-old Ambrose Ramsey Jr. with attempted first-degree murder, employing a firearm during a dangerous felony, possession of a prohibited weapon and reckless endangerment after a shooting at the Village Mart on South Bellevue Boulevard wounded a child and a man, as reported by Action News 5. Investigators say Ramsey used a Glock modified with an illegal switch to fire multiple rounds inside the store while 10 other customers were present; he remains jailed on $250,000 bond.

Memphis Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to $5.4M IRS Fraud: Memphis tax preparer Selma Brinson pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting the preparation of false tax returns after prosecutors said she used her tax business to file inflated refund claims — including bogus fuel tax credits and energy credits — attempting to defraud the IRS out of more than $5.4 million, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. She faces up to three years in prison at sentencing on Nov. 10.

August 4

Mississippi Child Exploitation Sting Nets 69 Arrests: A two-week undercover investigation dubbed "Operation Muddy Waters" led to 69 arrests on charges including child sexual exploitation, solicitation of minors and distribution of child sexual abuse material, authorities announced in Oxford, Mississippi, as reported by La Prensa Latina. Agencies involved included the Mississippi Attorney General's Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service and sheriff's departments in DeSoto and four other counties; officials said some suspects held positions of trust in their communities.

Man Charged After Ramming Two MPD Squad Cars During Pursuit: The Memphis Police Department arrested and charged Pedro Grayer with aggravated assault, evading arrest, possession of a firearm during a dangerous felony and reckless driving after he allegedly rammed two patrol cars — pinning one officer's leg in a door — while fleeing a traffic stop at a Ridgelake Boulevard hotel, according to Action News 5. Grayer fled on foot and discarded a handgun before he and three other occupants of the vehicle were taken into custody.

August 2

Man Killed, Woman Wounded in Whitehaven Gas Station Shooting: A man died and a woman was injured after three masked gunmen opened fire at a gas station near Holmes Road and Airways Boulevard on Sunday afternoon, according to the Memphis Police Department, as reported by Action News 5. Officers responded just after 12:15 p.m. and found both victims at the scene. The man was taken to the hospital in critical condition and later died, while the woman was hospitalized in non-critical condition. Police have detained two men and are searching for a third suspect. No charges have been announced. Anyone with information is urged to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

Update From Previous Post — Hickory Hill Shooting: Detained Man Released, No Charges Filed: The man detained after a shooting that killed a 5-year-old boy in the Hickory Hill neighborhood Saturday has been released without charges as the Memphis Police Department continues investigating, Action News 5 reports. Officers responded to a shots-fired call near Innsbrook Drive and Birch Run Lane shortly before 5 p.m. Saturday and found the boy in critical condition. He later died at the hospital. Anyone with information is urged to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

August 1

Update From Previous Post — DA Says Police Arrested Wrong Suspect in OUTMemphis Shooting: The man Memphis Police previously charged in the May 5 shooting at OUTMemphis, in which two women were wounded, has been released after the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office uncovered new information indicating investigators had charged the wrong person, according to The Daily Memphian. Aljon Tyler, 30, known as “Jewel,” had spent nearly three months in custody before his release. Police are now searching for the actual gunman, and no new suspect has been announced.

Second Suspect Charged in Fatal May Shooting in Cherokee Neighborhood: Memphis Police arrested and charged Darion Holliway, 20, with first-degree murder, especially aggravated robbery, employing a firearm during a dangerous felony and theft in connection with the May 16 fatal shooting of a man on Sharpe Avenue, according to Action News 5. A second suspect, 18-year-old Jeremy Williams, was arrested in June after turning himself in. Investigators say the victim had arranged to buy a firearm from the pair immediately before he was shot.

Man Charged With Murder in June South Memphis Homicide: Memphis Police arrested and charged Jetarius Young, 28, with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm during a dangerous felony in the fatal June 25 shooting of a man in the 700 block of Ioka Avenue, Action News 5 reports. The victim was found with a gunshot wound and later died at the hospital. Investigators identified Young after releasing surveillance video showing two suspects fleeing the scene.

Three Alleged Gang Leaders Arrested With Guns and Drugs in Whitehaven: Memphis Police arrested three men described as alleged gang leaders during a raid on a home in the 600 block of Whiteside Street, seizing six firearms, including an AR-style rifle and two stolen pistols, roughly three pounds of marijuana, about 150 pills and $1,500 in cash, according to La Prensa Latina. Caleb Wade, 21, Antwan Davis, 26, and Jerome Davis, 30, face multiple weapons and drug-distribution charges. All three remain jailed on bonds ranging from $150,000 to $250,000.

July 31

Two Men Charged in Gun-Sale-Turned-Homicide: Darion Holliway, 20, and Jeremy Williams face first-degree murder and especially aggravated robbery charges in the May 16 shooting death of a man who had arranged to buy a firearm in the Cherokee area of Memphis. Memphis Police Department investigators say the victim’s phone and a bank transfer helped tie the suspects to the scene, as reported by La Prensa Latina.

Man Arrested After Domestic Violence Shooting in Cordova: A man was taken into custody early Friday after allegedly opening fire at an apartment complex in the 8200 block of Country Squire Place in Cordova during a domestic dispute. No one was hurt, though gunfire damaged property, and the Memphis Police Department has not yet released the suspect’s identity or charges, as reported by La Prensa Latina.

July 31

Man Arrested After Domestic Shooting Damages Cordova Apartments: A man was taken into custody early Friday after gunfire struck an apartment building in the 8200 block of Country Squire Place in Cordova, according to the Memphis Police Department. No one was hurt, but bullets damaged property. The suspect fled in a red sedan and was located and detained a short time later; police say the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute. MPD had not released the man's identity or charges as of publication, La Prensa Latina reports.

DA's Office Clears Original Suspect, Names New One in Cooper-Young Shooting: The Shelby County District Attorney's Office said a new investigation into a shooting outside OUTMemphis identified a different suspect and cleared the man originally accused, Aljon Tyler, who had been identified by two witnesses. After a defense attorney brought new information forward, a prosecutor and two investigators re-interviewed witnesses and found additional ones within 24 hours, leading to Tyler's release, Fox13 Memphis reports. The DA's office said the reversal reflects a commitment to "follow the facts wherever they lead."

Clarksdale Man Charged With Attempted Murder While Out on Bond for Homicide: Courdaries White was taken into custody Friday and charged with two counts of attempted murder in a shooting that left two people injured in the Oakhurst neighborhood of Clarksdale, Miss., according to the Clarksdale Police Department. White's bond was set at $500,000 on each count, for a total of $1 million. At the time of his arrest, White was already free on bond in an unrelated homicide investigation from earlier this year, Action News 5 reports.

Drug Warrant in Midtown Turns Up Cocaine, Oxycodone and a 9-Year-Old Witness: Jarvis Powell was arrested after Memphis police, along with federal agents, executed a search warrant on a Waldran Boulevard home and found cocaine, oxycodone, marijuana and ammunition, according to the Memphis Police Department. Powell faces charges including possession of narcotics with intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia, being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition and child abuse or neglect. A 9-year-old child inside the home directed detectives to the drugs and was referred to the Department of Children's Services, Action News 5 reports. Powell is held on $100,000 bond.

Road-Rage Shooting Suspect Among Dozens Arrested by MPD, Task Force: Memphis police and the Memphis Safe Task Force announced dozens of recent arrests Thursday, including a suspect in a road-rage shooting and three suspected gang members, according to The Daily Memphian. Further details on the arrests were not available outside the newspaper's subscriber paywall.

Three Alleged Gang Leaders Arrested in Whitehaven With Guns, Drugs and Stolen Vehicles: Caleb Wade, 21, Antwan Davis, 26, and Jerome Davis, 30, were arrested after Memphis police searched a home in the 600 block of Whiteside Street, according to the Memphis Police Department. Officers seized six firearms — including an AR-style rifle and two stolen handguns — nearly three pounds of marijuana, about 150 pills, $1,500 in cash and a money-counting machine. Wade faces charges including possession of a machine-gun conversion device and theft of firearms; Antwan Davis and Jerome Davis each face multiple counts of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and drug charges, La Prensa Latina reports. Bonds range from $150,000 to $250,000.

Memphis Safe Task Force Arrests Teen Near Raleigh Egypt High School: Members of the Memphis Safe Task Force arrested a 16-year-old boy for allegedly attempting to sell marijuana near Raleigh Egypt High School, the U.S. Marshals Service announced. The teen was charged as a minor in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm on school property, evading arrest and possession with intent to sell marijuana after a brief foot pursuit near Egypt Central Park. Officers seized two firearms, marijuana and $10,788 in cash. The task force has now made 11,401 arrests since its launch, including 112 for homicide and 1,155 for firearms violations.

July 30

Man Charged With First-Degree Murder After Deadly Tate County Shooting: Lloyd Hughes, of Marshall County, Mississippi, is charged with first-degree murder after deputies with the Tate County Sheriff's Office responded to a shooting call on Bett-Thyatria Road in Coldwater around 1 p.m. Wednesday and found the victim dead at the scene, Action News 5 reports. Hughes was taken into custody at the scene, and the case remains under investigation.

July 29

Memphis Safe Task Force Arrests 30, Including Two Wanted for Murder: The Memphis Safe Task Force arrested 30 people Tuesday, including two men wanted for murder and two more charged in child sex crimes, according to the U.S. Marshals Service. Albert Boyce, 25, and Decoreion McDowell, 25, were each taken into custody on outstanding second-degree murder warrants, while Jose Navarro, 37, and Terence Gray, 68, were arrested on charges including aggravated rape of a child and aggravated sexual battery. The task force, established under a presidential memorandum signed by President Donald Trump in September 2025, has now made more than 11,300 arrests and seized nearly 2,000 illegal firearms since its launch.

Memphis Mother Charged With Felony Child Neglect After Missing Son's Hospital Appointments: Kayla Wells, 24, was arrested and charged with felony child neglect after investigators say she missed five follow-up appointments for her six-month-old son at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, where doctors had found multiple unexplained fractures in April, Action News 5 reports. Wells is held on a $10,000 bond and is due back in court Thursday; a defense attorney interviewed by the station said prosecutors will have to prove the missed appointments substantially affected the child's health and welfare to sustain the charge.

Family Alleges Officers Left Shelby County Inmate to Die: The family of Rockez McDaniel has filed a lawsuit alleging that Shelby County Jail staff, nurses and others are responsible for his 2025 death after he was pepper-sprayed by officers, The Daily Memphian reports. No criminal charges against jail staff have been announced in connection with McDaniel's death.

Two Detained After Shooting Leaves Man Injured in Uptown: A man was shot and two people were detained Wednesday afternoon after Memphis police responded to gunfire in the 400 block of North Dunlap Street in the Uptown neighborhood, La Prensa Latina reports. The victim was taken to a hospital in non-critical condition. No charges have been announced, and the Memphis Police Department is asking anyone with information to call CrimeStoppers.

July 27

Update from previous post — Repeat Offender Due Back in Court Over Stolen SUV, Drugs: Rodney Peete, 51, is scheduled for a court appearance today after Memphis Police pulled him over in a stolen white Nissan Pathfinder bearing Mississippi tags and found crack cocaine and methamphetamine inside, as reported by Action News 5. Peete was already wanted on outstanding warrants for aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault, domestic assault with bodily harm, and harassment, and he remains held on a $410,000 bond.

July 26

Two Men Charged in Cooper-Young Shootout at Marathon Station: Rodderius Shambley, 19, and Marcus Jones, 18, were arrested and each charged with five counts of criminal attempted second-degree murder after a gunfight broke out between rival armed groups at a Marathon gas station on New York Street, according to the Memphis Police Department. Investigators identified Shambley from surveillance footage before locating both men on South Cooper Street, and FOX13 Memphis reports both men also face charges for employing a firearm during a dangerous felony.

Woman Shot Outside Southwest Memphis Hotel; Suspects Still at Large: A woman was shot and wounded outside the Governor's Inn on Mt. Moriah Road after two suspects approached her and a friend, struck them, and opened fire before fleeing in a Ford Fusion, according to Action News 5. La Prensa Latina notes it is one of two shootings Memphis Police are investigating in the area this week, with no arrests made yet in either case.

18-Year-Old Charged with Murder After Body Found Behind North Memphis Church: Roy Bills, 18, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and employing a firearm during a dangerous felony after a man's body was discovered behind Pursuit of God Church on North Watkins Street, according to Action News 5. Officers identified Bills from surveillance footage showing a man in pink shorts near the scene, then took him into custody after executing a search warrant at his home.

Three Teens Arrested in String of 21 Vehicle Thefts: Two 14-year-olds and a 17-year-old were arrested and each face 21 counts of vehicle theft along with vandalism and other charges after a wave of Hyundai and Kia thefts centered on the Raines Station area, according to La Prensa Latina, citing the Memphis Police Department. Investigators say the two 14-year-olds had already been charged in April with 17 similar offenses, and the case remains open as detectives look into additional thefts across the city.

Taco Bell Worker Charged After Pouring Boiling Water on Coworker: Makayla Henderson, 19, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault after allegedly pouring a pot of boiling water on 18-year-old coworker Chris Jones at a Knight Arnold Road Taco Bell, leaving him with second-degree burns that required surgery, according to Action News 5. Henderson was released on a $5,000 bond and must complete anger management classes ahead of her next court date on August 27.

July 24

Suitcase Murder Suspect Back in Court: Saul Martinez, 22, is due in Shelby County court Friday on charges of first-degree murder, first-degree murder in the perpetration of a felony, aggravated child abuse, abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence in the death of his 3-year-old son, Joseph. Martinez allegedly confessed to investigators that he left the boy's body in a suitcase near Wolf River Harbor after the child went missing over the July 18 weekend, according to Action News 5. He remains held without bond.

Officer-Shooting Accomplice Faces Preliminary Hearing: Tokeytha Owens, 38, is scheduled for a 9 a.m. preliminary hearing Friday on a charge of accessory after the fact for allegedly harboring Danell Maxwell, the man accused of shooting a Memphis Police officer during a February traffic stop. Owens and Maxwell were captured together in May by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Shelby County Fugitive Unit after a monthslong manhunt, WREG reports.

July 23

Jackson Man Captured on Child Sex Crime Charges: Craig Nakutis was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service's Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force at his Jackson, Tennessee apartment after a Shelby County grand jury indicted him on charges of especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, solicitation of a minor and aggravated statutory rape, following a Memphis Police Department investigation, Action News 5 reports.

Hispanic Man Charged in Parkway Village Homicide: Darvin López, 28, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder after Memphis Police found a woman dead inside a Parkway Village home on Kayla Blue Cove East Wednesday afternoon, according to La Prensa Latina. Investigators have not released the victim's identity or her relationship to López as the homicide investigation continues.

Taco Bell Worker Charged After Throwing Boiling Water on Coworker: Makayla Henderson, 19, was charged with aggravated assault after police say she threw a pot of boiling water on an 18-year-old coworker at a Knight Arnold Road Taco Bell, leaving him with second-degree burns to his stomach and legs, Action News 5 reports. Henderson was released on a $5,000 bond and must complete anger management classes ahead of an August court date.

DA Releases Video of Fatal Memphis Safe Task Force Shooting: Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy released three videos from inside a Frayser-area Burger King showing the moments before a Drug Enforcement Administration agent assigned to the Memphis Safe Task Force fatally shot employee Darrin Pigram, 41, in May, according to the Tennessee Lookout. Mulroy announced days earlier he would not pursue charges against the agent, and none of the released footage shows Pigram reaching for a weapon as task force officers had alleged.

Independent Autopsy on Nolan Wells Deepens Mississippi Death Mystery: An independent autopsy commissioned by the family of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, whose body was found off Horn Island, Mississippi after a July 4 boat trip, returned an "undetermined" cause and manner of death, the Tri-State Defender reports. The Rev. Al Sharpton has offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, while the Mississippi medical examiner has yet to release the official state autopsy.

July 22

Motorcyclist Chased, Shot At and Run Down in Castalia Heights: A man riding a motorcycle was chased, shot at and then struck by a car in the Castalia Heights neighborhood Tuesday afternoon, according to the Memphis Police Department. The victim was found dead in the roadway at Gill Avenue and Wilson Street around 2:30 p.m. after witnesses said occupants of a silver vehicle pursued and fired on him before running him over. Trent Antonio Collier, 34, was taken into custody after officers said he tried to flee the scene on the victim's motorcycle, and he has been booked on two counts of tampering with evidence, as reported by Action News 5.

DoorDasher Carjacked at Gunpoint Outside East Memphis Chili's: A food delivery driver was robbed of his vehicle at gunpoint outside a Chili's Bar & Grill on Poplar Avenue near Perkins Extended, according to the Memphis Police Department. Officers responding to the July 20 robbery call said the suspect pointed a black handgun at the DoorDash driver before fleeing with the car. Bobby Brooks, 57, was arrested and charged in the carjacking, as reported by Action News 5.

Update from previous post — Father Confesses to Killing 3-Year-Old Son, Hiding Body in Suitcase: Newly released court documents show Saul Martinez, 22, confessed to Memphis Police that he killed his 3-year-old son, Joseph Martinez, placed the boy's body in a brown suitcase and left it in a wooded area near the Wolf River, according to La Prensa Latina. The child's grandfather, Octavio Martinez, told investigators he saw Saul carrying the suitcase to his car the night the boy disappeared, and after being questioned, Saul Martinez led detectives to a site near Second Street and Plum Avenue where the suitcase was recovered. He faces first-degree murder, murder during aggravated child abuse, aggravated child abuse, abuse of a corpse and evidence-tampering charges, and is scheduled to appear in Shelby County Criminal Court this week.

Five Memphis Residents Indicted in $2 Million Nike Cargo Theft Ring: A federal grand jury indicted twelve people, including five Memphis residents, accused of stealing more than $2 million in merchandise from Nike's North American Logistics Center in Memphis, the Department of Justice's Western District of Tennessee office announced. Keith Cannon, 40; Cadarian Mack, 35; Julian Baker, 36; Cortez Spencer, 39; and Roderico McClellan, 33, are among the Memphis defendants accused of relabeling stolen Nike products for pickup by accomplices in Los Angeles, Chicago, Olive Branch, Mississippi, and Charlestown, Indiana, between 2021 and 2024. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said the alleged scheme struck at the heart of Memphis's logistics economy, and the FBI's Cargo Theft Task Force said it will continue pursuing organized theft rings, as reported by La Prensa Latina.

July 21

Memphis Man Sentenced to Over 24 Years for Fatal Heroin-Carfentanil Sale: Steven McCurdy, 46, was sentenced to 292 months — more than 24 years — in federal prison for distributing heroin and carfentanil that caused a fatal overdose, the Department of Justice's Western District of Tennessee office announced. Chief U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman handed down the sentence after a jury convicted McCurdy, known on the street as "Kroger Man," of selling the drugs to a victim who died from heroin and carfentanil toxicity, as reported by Action News 5.

Homicide Investigation Opens After Man Found Dead Behind Frayser Church: The Memphis Police Department is investigating a homicide after a man's body was discovered Monday afternoon on a lot behind a church in the 2500 block of James Road in Frayser. Officers responding to a report of a suspicious person found the man dead at the scene; his identity and cause of death have not been released as the Homicide Unit processes evidence and interviews witnesses, according to La Prensa Latina. Police are asking anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

update from previous post — Father Charged with Murder in Death of 3-Year-Old Son: The Memphis Police Department has charged Saul Martinez, 22, with first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, aggravated kidnapping and evidence tampering in the death of his 3-year-old son, Joseph Martinez, whose body was found near North Front Street after he was reported missing from a Parkway Village home on Southbridge Street. Police say Martinez took the boy without authorization Sunday night and returned alone the next morning, prompting a City Watch alert before investigators located the child. Cause of death is pending autopsy, as reported by Action News 5 and La Prensa Latina.

Homicide Investigation Underway After Body Found Behind Frayser Church: Memphis Police are investigating a homicide after a man was found dead behind Pursuit of God Church on North Watkins Street. Officers responded to the scene and pronounced the man dead; his identity has not been released and no suspect is in custody. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH, as reported by Action News 5 and WREG.

July 20

update from previous post — Bond Set at $100K for Mother Charged in Fatal Shooting of Man Under Daughter's Bed: A judge set bond at $100,000 Monday for Kendra Scott, 36, who is charged with first-degree murder and employing a firearm during a dangerous felony after fatally shooting Rodderius Morton, 20, whom she found hiding under her 13-year-old daughter's bed in the Walker Homes neighborhood on July 16. Scott's next hearing is set for August 3, and the judge ordered her to stay away from the victim's family, as reported by Action News 5 and WREG.

Three Dead, Nine Wounded in Mass Shooting at West Tennessee Park: Three people were killed and nine others wounded Sunday night when gunfire broke out among a crowd of roughly 100 people at Savannah Williamson Community Park in Denmark, Tennessee, according to the Madison County Sheriff's Office. Investigators say shots were fired from a sedan traveling along Neely Station Road, with recovered shell casings indicating a high-caliber rifle; two victims died at the scene and a third died at a hospital. No arrests have been announced, as reported by WREG, Fox13 Memphis and La Prensa Latina.

Three Shot, Two Critically Injured on South Memphis Porch: Two men and a woman were shot early Monday morning in the 1800 block of Benford Street in South Memphis after an unknown gunman came from behind the home and opened fire on the group sitting on the front porch. A man and woman were left in critical condition; a third victim fled the scene in a black Ford Explorer, and no arrests have been made, as reported by WREG.

Man Charged After Threatening Mass Shooting at Temple, Crosstown Concourse: Jason Arrington, 21, was arrested and charged with making a threat of mass violence after police say he texted a woman that he planned to bring a rifle to Temple Israel, where he worked, and open fire, and separately threatened to shoot people at Crosstown Concourse until police killed him. Arrington told investigators he had been researching mass shootings online and believed he was texting a friend; Temple Israel confirmed he is no longer employed there, as reported by Action News 5.

MPD Crackdown Nets 246 Arrests, 60 Illegal Guns: The Memphis Police Department's Organized Crime and Multi-Agency Gang units announced the results of "Operation Pressure Point," a month-long June crackdown that produced 246 arrests, 208 of them felonies, and recovered 60 illegal firearms along with more than 15,000 pills of illicit drugs, fentanyl and marijuana. Investigators also seized more than $51,000 in cash allegedly tied to criminal activity, and police say the operation coincided with a drop in shootings citywide, as reported by Action News 5 and La Prensa Latina.

update from previous post — New Court Clerk Named as Sawyer Corruption Case Continues: Shelby County General Sessions judges appointed Gerald Thornton, the county's Human Resources Director, to serve as Court Clerk Pro Tempore, replacing suspended clerk Tami Sawyer, who faces a six-count federal indictment for allegedly embezzling nearly $45,000 in public funds on personal expenses including delivery apps, bar tabs and Memphis Tigers games. Sawyer faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted and has not resigned; the Shelby County Republican Party called the appointment "political," saying Sawyer's 2024 opponent was more qualified, as reported by Action News 5.

Jason Arrington, 21, is behind bars, accused of making a threat to commit a mass shooting at Temple Israel and then at the Crosstown Concourse, reports Action News 5.

Virginia Man Charged in Child Exploitation Case After Horn Lake Mother's Report: A 29-year-old Bristol, Virginia man, William Tollie, has been charged with felony possession of child pornography, felony solicitation of a minor, and felony use of a computer to commit a sex offense after a Mississippi mother reported concerns about her 15-year-old daughter's online contact with him. Investigators say the case began when a Horn Lake mother alerted Horn Lake police, who worked with Bristol, Virginia investigators after finding the teen had been communicating with Tollie over Discord; more than 8,000 images of child pornography were recovered, reports Fox13 Memphis.

July 19

Memphis Mother Charged With Murder After Fatally Shooting Man Hiding Under Daughter's Bed: Kendra Scott, 36, was charged with first-degree murder and employing a firearm during commission of a dangerous felony after allegedly shooting Rodderius Morton, 20, in the back of the head when she found him hiding under her 13-year-old daughter's bed at a home in the 3000 block of Travis Road in the Walker Homes neighborhood of southwest Memphis. Memphis Police responded to the shooting call around 1:40 a.m. on July 16; Scott is being held without bond at the Shelby County Jail, with arraignment set for July 24. Reports Action News 5.

Suspect in Boxtown Woman's Killing Still at Large as Police Release New Photo: Nearly ten days after Memphis Police found Marcella Hayes dead during a welfare check on Beverly Terrace in the Boxtown area of southwest Memphis, suspect Travis Coleman, wanted on a first-degree murder warrant and tampering with evidence, remains uncaptured. Investigators released a new photo of Coleman and are asking anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH rather than approach him directly. Reports Fox13 Memphis.

July 18

Homicide Investigation
Man Wanted After Woman Found Dead in Westwood Home: Memphis Police are searching for 31-year-old Travis Coleman in connection with a homicide investigation after officers conducting a welfare check on July 9 in the 3600 block of Beverly Terrace Drive found Marcella Hayes unresponsive inside her Westwood home; she was pronounced dead at the scene. Following further investigation, police issued Coleman a warrant on a charge of tampering with evidence tied to Hayes' death. Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers of Memphis and Shelby County at 901-528-CASH, according to Action News 5.

Shooting Arrest
Man Arrested After May Shooting in Vollintine-Evergreen: Memphis Police arrested 33-year-old Jamelle Johnson on Friday in the area of Spottswood Avenue and Airways Boulevard in connection with a May 8 shooting that left a man hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds in the 1700 block of Hunter Avenue. Johnson faces charges of attempted first-degree murder, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, according to Action News 5.

Yesterday July 17

Traffic Stop / Arrest
Driver Arrested After Refusing to Stop on I-55: Memphis Police arrested a driver early Friday morning after the motorist refused to stop for officers on Interstate 55 near Church Road, prompting a heavy police presence before the driver was pulled over and taken into custody, according to Action News 5.

Carjacking Arrest
Carjacking Suspect Arrested in East Memphis: 21-year-old Marvell Woods was arrested and booked into the Shelby County Jail after Memphis Police say he robbed a man of his vehicle at gunpoint on July 16 in East Memphis. Officers spotted the stolen Nissan Altima on Getwell Road near Fizer Street the next day and conducted a traffic stop, recovering the victim's key fob and a gun magazine from Woods. He faces charges of aggravated robbery, theft of property, and theft of a firearm, according to WREG.

Homicide Case Update
Memphis Woman Charged With Murder in Fatal Shooting at Southwest Memphis Home: Kendra Scott, 36, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony after Memphis Police say she fatally shot Rodderius Morton, whom she found hiding under her daughter's bed inside her home in the 3000 block of Travis Road. Officers responded to the shooting call around 1:45 a.m. Thursday and found Morton dead of a gunshot wound; Scott told police, "I saw a dude under my kids' bed, and I did what I had to do," according to La Prensa Latina.

Federal Fraud Charges
Memphis Tax Preparer Indicted on Federal Fraud Charges: A federal grand jury indicted Lynette Hogue on 29 counts of willfully aiding the preparation of false tax returns and four counts of willfully failing to file her own tax returns. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Tennessee, Hogue prepared fraudulent returns for clients between 2021 and 2024 that generated refunds they were not entitled to, and she faces up to 91 years in prison if convicted on all counts.

Federal Task Force Update
Memphis Safe Task Force Logs 101 Arrests Since Monday: The Memphis Safe Task Force executed a combined 101 criminal arrests and recovered 11 illegal firearms from city streets since Monday, according to the U.S. Marshals Service, which reports the task force has now topped 10,000 arrests and removed more than 1,700 illegal firearms since launching in the Memphis area last fall.

Death Investigation
Family of Missing Mid-South Teen Continues Cellphone Review With DA: Attorneys for the family of Nolan Wells, a Black teenager whose body was recovered from coastal Mississippi waters after he went missing during a July Fourth boat trip, have agreed to let the local district attorney's office inspect the contents of his cellphone as the death investigation continues. Attorney Ben Crump said District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath committed to presenting the case to a grand jury once the review is complete; authorities have said they do not suspect foul play, and results of the official autopsy remain pending, according to Tri-State Defender.

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July 17

Woman Charged With Murder in Walker Homes Shooting: A woman was arrested after a shooting during the early morning hours in the Walker Homes neighborhood left a man dead of gunshot wounds; police have not yet released the suspect's full booking details or the exact charges she faces, according to La Prensa Latina.

Robbery Suspect Still at Large After Circle K Holdup: The Memphis Police Department is searching for an armed man who pulled a blue hoodie over his head, pointed a handgun at employees, and robbed a Circle K on Highland Street before fleeing toward Spotswood Avenue with an undisclosed amount of cash, according to Action News 5.

Convicted Memphis Gynecologist Appeals 20-Year Federal Prison Sentence: Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, convicted of reusing single-use medical devices and health care fraud tied to thousands of procedures on Medicare and Medicaid patients, has filed an appeal of his 20-year sentence, with defense lawyers facing a July 30 deadline to file key paperwork or risk dismissal, according to Action News 5.

Yesterday, July 16

Fugitive Unit Captures Suspect in Fatal Hickory Hill Nightclub Shooting: The Memphis Police Department's Fugitive Unit apprehended 36-year-old Dewuan Harris on charges of First-Degree Murder, three counts of Attempted First-Degree Murder, and Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Commit a Dangerous Felony, stemming from the fatal shooting of a security guard outside the Paradise Lounge on Winchester Road, according to the Memphis Police Department.

Man Charged With Attempted Murder in Samurai Sword Attack: Memphis Police charged Andrew Deaner with attempted first-degree murder after he allegedly accused a man of stealing a knife near Poplar Avenue and Claybrook Street, then pulled a samurai sword from behind his back and sliced the victim's hand and head, according to Action News 5.

Nearly 900 ICE Arrests Recorded in Shelby County Since Memphis Safe Task Force Launch: A new analysis of federal deportation data found nearly 900 ICE arrests in Shelby County since the Memphis Safe Task Force launched, with roughly 60% ending in deportation and more than 80% involving individuals with no criminal convictions, according to Action News 5.

Venezuelan Mother and Son Face Sentencing for Running Tennessee Sex Trafficking Ring: Federal authorities identified Yilibeth Carmen Rivero-de Caldera and her son, Kleiver Daniel Mota Rivero, as the leaders of a Tennessee-based sex trafficking organization that recruited vulnerable Venezuelan women with false job promises before subjecting them to threats and forced commercial sex; nine defendants pleaded guilty, with sentencing scheduled for November, according to La Prensa Latina.

Memphis Minute

July 17

Amid Scandals, Shelby County Democrats Stumble Into Early Voting: WKNO FM reports early voting opened today for the Aug. 6 primary as Republicans hammer Democrats over a string of scandals, including Shelby County Court Clerk Tami Sawyer's federal indictment and former Councilman Edmund Ford Jr.'s pending sentencing, with Democrat Mickell Lowery and Republican John DeBerry squaring off for county mayor.

Clergy, GOP Lawmakers Urge Gov. Lee to Halt Executions for Review: Memphis Flyer reports eight Tennessee GOP state senators and a group of Nashville clergy are pressing Gov. Bill Lee to pause executions and order an independent review after the botched May 21 lethal injection of Tony Von Carruthers.

Hundreds of Absentee Ballots Missing Judicial Races, Charter Question: Daily Memphian reports roughly 700 Shelby County absentee voters are receiving supplemental ballots after the Shelby County Election Commission omitted several judicial races and a county charter referendum ahead of the Aug. 6 election.

Thursday, July 16

City Council Chair Faces Misused-Funds, Ethics Complaints: FOX13 Memphis reports Memphis City Council Chair Jana Swearengen-Washington faces claims she sought city resources for her husband's church and used council funds to buy copies of a Kamala Harris memoir, after firing former chief of staff Brooke Hyman, who raised the concerns.

Reimagined Ida B. Wells Plaza Opens Downtown: FOX13 Memphis reports the City of Memphis reopened the fully restored Ida B. Wells Plaza at Beale and Fourth streets Thursday, unveiling new story pillars and granite inscriptions honoring her legacy.

MSCS Superintendent Disputes Framing of Forensic Audit: Tri-State Defender reports Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Roderick Richmond pushed back on public characterizations of the state's forensic audit while touting the district's progress.

Tallest Tower in East Memphis Hits the Market: Daily Memphian reports commercial real estate firm CBRE is marketing Clark Tower, the 653,214-square-foot office tower at 5100 Poplar Ave., as East Memphis's tallest building goes up for sale.

201 Poplar Courts Closed Fifth Straight Day: WREG reports Shelby County General Sessions and Memphis Municipal Courts at 201 Poplar stayed closed Thursday for a fifth straight day as crews repair damage from a June 30 water main break, though Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris said all courts are set to reopen Monday.

TBI Hiring 32 Agents for New Memphis Safe Task Force: Action News 5 reports the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is recruiting 32 special agents for the new "Tennessee Safe Initiative," a statewide task force whose first deployment lands in Memphis and Shelby County.

Memphis Public Libraries Closes Book Sales, Storefront: Daily Memphian reports Memphis Public Libraries closed its book sales and used-book storefront after failing to reach a fundraising agreement with volunteer group Friends of the Library.

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Crime Report

July 15

201 Poplar Courts Closed Again Amid Flood Repairs
All Shelby County General Sessions Criminal Court and Municipal Court divisions remained closed today as Shelby County continued repairs from a June 30 water main break at the Criminal Justice Center. WREG

$80K Jewelry Heist Hits Parkway Village Store
Memphis Police are searching for two men who smashed display cases with hammers and stole roughly $80,000 in jewelry from a Regency Jewelers store on American Way on July 12. Action News 5

July 14

Man Charged with Murder in Northeast Memphis Shooting
Memphis Police charged 26-year-old Derien Bowen with second-degree murder after Anthony Standard was fatally shot July 5 following an argument in the 2100 block of East River Trace Drive. FOX13 Memphis

Suspect Charged in Parkway Village Road Rage Shooting
Memphis Police charged 22-year-old Clinton Nash with attempted second-degree murder and seized 11 firearms after a passenger opened fire on a car carrying three people, including a minor, near Cottonwood and South Perkins roads. WREG

City Hires Outside Counsel to Investigate Two Council Members
Memphis City Attorney Tannera Gibson hired private attorney Brian Faughnan to investigate Memphis City Council Chairwoman Jana Swearingen-Washington and Councilman JB Smiley Jr. over undisclosed potential violations of state, local, and federal law. Action News 5

Two Hospitalized in Crosstown Burger King Shooting
Memphis Police detained two men after a shooting at the Burger King on Poplar Avenue in Crosstown left one man fighting for his life and another expected to recover. Action News 5

Teen Shot While Riding Scooter Home in Raleigh
A teenager was shot after three men in a blue SUV mistook him for someone else and opened fire while he rode an electric scooter home from his girlfriend's house in the 3000 block of Carnoustie Cove, Memphis Police said. FOX13 Memphis

Commissioner Demands Assessment of Crumbling 201 Poplar
A Shelby County commissioner called on Mayor Lee Harris and Sheriff Floyd Bonner to order a formal assessment of the Criminal Justice Center, which has recorded 68 in-custody deaths since 2018 despite $58 million in emergency repairs. FOX13 Memphis

July 10

Boy Dies After Midnight Shooting in South Memphis: The Memphis Police Department is investigating after a shooting call came in just after midnight on S. Orleans Street in the New Pathways neighborhood; officers found no victim at the scene, but a boy was later pronounced dead after arriving at a hospital by private vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH, as reported by Action News 5.

July 9

Man Charged With First-Degree Murder in Barron Avenue Killing: Marquillo Kelly, 28, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and employing a firearm during a dangerous felony after Memphis Police Department officers responding to a shooting in the 4100 block of Barron Avenue on July 8 found Darrell Jones suffering from gunshot wounds; Jones was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Memphis Police Department.

DEA Agent Fatally Shoots Man During Warrant Service: Alfonso Ivy, 47, was fatally shot Wednesday by a Drug Enforcement Administration agent serving a drug warrant at an East Memphis extended-stay hotel after Ivy allegedly pointed a handgun at task force members — the second fatal shooting by a Memphis Safe Task Force member in four days and the fourth death tied to the unit since September, according to Tri-State Defender.

Five Suspects at Large After I-240 Road Rage Shooting: A man was shot and wounded Wednesday afternoon near Knight Arnold and South Mendenhall roads after a white Ford Fusion carrying five armed suspects pulled alongside his Jeep and opened fire in a road rage incident that began on Interstate 240; no arrests have been made, according to WREG.

Man Charged After Handing Robbery Note to Post Office Worker: Irby Lewis Chandler, 57, was arrested and charged with robbery after he allegedly handed a note to a worker at the Germantown Post Office on Farmington Boulevard claiming to be armed and demanding money; no weapon was recovered and no injuries were reported, according to Action News 5.

Inmates Injured After Hit-and-Run Strikes Sheriff's Transport Van: Several inmates and staff suffered minor injuries Thursday morning when a Shelby County Sheriff's Office transport van was struck in a hit-and-run crash on Interstate 40 near White Station Road; the driver who fled has not been identified, according to Action News 5.

Child Reports Being Shot Near East Memphis Park: Memphis Police Department officers are investigating after a child knocked on a man's car window and told him he had been shot at a park across the street; the child's condition and the circumstances of the shooting remain under investigation, according to Action News 5.

Family Demands Video in National Guard Shooting: The grandfather of 20-year-old Tyrin Johnson, who was killed July 5 when Tennessee National Guard soldiers fired on him during a downtown pursuit, is demanding today that the state release video of the shooting. (The Hill)

July 8

Mother Charged With Helping Son Cover Up Murder: A Memphis woman was arrested July 7 on charges of tampering with evidence and accessory after the fact after investigators said she helped her teenage son cover up the murder of a man whose body was found in an Egypt Central Road garage. (Action News 5)

DEA Task Force Kills Man in East Memphis Hotel Shooting: A Drug Enforcement Administration agent with the Memphis Safe Task Force fatally shot a man yesterday while serving a warrant at an East Memphis hotel after he allegedly pointed a handgun at agents, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is now investigating. (Action News 5)

One Dead in East Memphis Shooting: Memphis Police Department officers responded to a shooting on Barron Avenue near Briarwood Drive yesterday that left one man dead and one man detained. (WREG)

East Memphis Doctor Sentenced to 20 Years for Fraud: A federal judge sentenced East Memphis gynecologist Dr. Sanjeev Kumar to 20 years in prison yesterday after jurors convicted him of health care fraud and reusing single-use medical devices on patients at his Poplar Avenue clinic. (Action News 5)

MSCS Audit Finds $54 Million in Potential Fraud: A final forensic audit released yesterday by the Tennessee Comptroller found $54.2 million in Memphis-Shelby County Schools transactions showing potential fraud, waste, or abuse, including more than $48 million tied to a single custodial contract. (Daily Memphian)

MPD Searches for Armed Teens in Store Robbery: The Memphis Police Department renewed its appeal yesterday for help identifying two teenagers, one wearing a court-ordered ankle monitor, accused of pointing a gun at a cashier during a South Highland Street robbery. (FOX13 Memphis)

DEA-Led Task Force Fatally Shoots Armed Fugitive at East Memphis Hotel: A wanted fugitive facing felony drug charges was fatally shot Wednesday after pointing a handgun at officers serving a warrant at an extended-stay hotel on Poplar Avenue near the Jewish Community Center. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is now investigating the shooting; no officers were injured, as reported by Fox13 Memphis.

July 7

TBI Investigates National Guard Killing of Memphis Man, Family Demands Video: State investigators continue examining the July 5 shooting death of Tyrin Johnson, 20, by two Tennessee National Guard soldiers during a downtown pursuit. Johnson's family is calling for release of video from the incident as the TBI works to determine whether the use of force was justified, as reported by La Prensa Latina.

Questions Remain in National Guard Shooting Death
The Memphis Police Department said it will not release bodycam or Real-Time Crime Center footage from the shooting that killed 20-year-old Tyrin Johnson by Tennessee National Guard soldiers, even as Gov. Bill Lee's pledge that Guard members would carry weapons only "if requested" by law enforcement draws new scrutiny, as reported by FOX13 Memphis. There is no definitive answer yet that we could confirm at time of this publication if Memphis Police requested National Guard members to carry weapons.

Gynecologist Sentenced on Federal Fraud Counts
Memphis gynecologist Sanjeev Kumar, convicted on 40 federal counts including health care fraud, faced sentencing today before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee and could receive up to 80 years in prison, FOX13 Memphis reported.

July 6

TBI Opens Probe Into National Guard Shooting
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said it opened an independent investigation into the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Tyrin Johnson by two National Guard soldiers assigned to the Memphis Safe Task Force, after the Shelby County District Attorney's Office requested the review, as reported by NPR.

Man, Dog Shot in South Memphis
Memphis police said a man and his dog were both shot in the 100 block of West Dison Avenue, with the dog taken into the custody of Memphis Animal Services, as reported by FOX13 Memphis.

MPD Reports Crime Declines in Second Quarter
The Memphis Police Department said Part I crime fell 36% year-to-date through June, with murders down 60% and the Homicide Bureau's clearance rate climbing to 81% under Chief C.J. Davis, according to the department's own release.

Federal Wiretaps Expose Young Mob Gang Robbery Plot
A Memphis gang known as Young Mob used GPS trackers, texts and FaceTime to coordinate a 2024 robbery of a rival, but federal investigators tracking the group alerted the Memphis Police Department in time to intervene before two of three attempts succeeded, the Daily Memphian reported.

Hit-and-Run Leaves Man Critical in Orange Mound
A man was left in critical condition July 4 after a vehicle jumped the curb and struck him near Airways Boulevard and Supreme Avenue, and Memphis police said the driver fled without stopping, as reported by WREG.

Two Charged in Illegal Fireworks Sale
The Memphis Police Department's Organized Crime Unit arrested Robert Cobb and Daniel Betts July 2 after finding them selling fireworks from a U-Haul in a Crystal Palace parking lot on South Third Street, Action News 5 reported.

Independent Review Raises Questions in Kohen Wiley Killing
A forensic review commissioned by attorney Ben Crump found that 1-year-old Kohen Wiley was shot from the side by a Senatobia police officer during a shoplifting call, renewing questions in a case that has drawn weeks of protest across the Mid-South, as reported by TSD Memphis.

Video Surfaces of Threat Before July 4 Unrest
Video posted to social media appeared to show a masked man threatening to "kll a cop tonight" hours before unrest broke out in downtown Memphis on Independence Day, though authorities have not linked him to the National Guard shooting that followed, the Daily Dot reported.

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Monday, July 6 cont'd

DHS Agent Fatally Shoots Armed Man in Apartment: A U.S. Department of Homeland Security agent working with the Memphis Safe Task Force fatally shot 25-year-old Jonah Neal July 1 after finding him armed with a knife and handgun during a call about a man threatening to harm himself. FOX13 Memphis

Judge's Absences Slow Criminal Court: Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Lee Coffee has missed 40 of 105 scheduled court days this year, delaying cases and frustrating victims' families. Daily Memphian

Chase Ends in Crash, Three Arrested: Memphis police arrested three suspects, including a 17-year-old, after a stolen Nissan Altima crashed on Winchester Road following a high-speed pursuit from Elvis Presley Boulevard July 2. WREG

Orange Mound Hit-and-Run Leaves Man Critical: A man was left in critical condition after a driver struck him near Airways Boulevard and Supreme Avenue and fled the scene July 4, Memphis police said. Action News 5

MPD Seizes Illegal Fireworks Before Holiday: Memphis Police Department Organized Crime Unit detectives confiscated a large quantity of fireworks being illegally sold from a U-Haul truck in a Crystal Palace parking lot July 2. Memphis Police Department

Court Clerk Faces Federal Fraud Charges: Former Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk Tami Sawyer remains under federal indictment on fraud, theft and money laundering charges filed against her June 16. Tri-State Defender

Armed Robbery Hits Northeast Memphis Gas Station: Memphis police are searching for a gunman who robbed an Appling Road Exxon station at gunpoint July 2. Local Memphis

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July 5

Man killed in shooting involving National Guard troops; TBI investigating

Action News 5 is reporting Memphis Police responded to a shots-fired call just before 4 a.m. near Ida B. Wells Avenue and Gayoso Avenue. Officers saw a man carrying a handgun flee on foot and pursued him with the assistance of Tennessee National Guard soldiers assigned to the area. Police say the man turned toward the soldiers with his weapon during the chase, at which point the soldiers fired, striking and killing him. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has taken over the investigation, standard procedure in shootings involving law enforcement or military personnel.

No arrests or incidents reported at July 4 Memphis-area celebrations

Coverage of Independence Day on the River at Tom Lee Park, the Memphis Redbirds' Red, White and Boom postgame show at AutoZone Park, and celebrations in Germantown, Bartlett and Collierville turned up no reports of arrests, fights, or safety incidents tied to the events themselves. The Downtown Memphis Commission had estimated roughly 6,000 attendees for the main Tom Lee Park event; organizers and local outlets described the turnout afterward only as "thousands," with no official final count released.

Most recent July 4

MPD releases suspect photos in fatal South Memphis shooting

Memphis police released a surveillance photo of two men wanted in connection with the June 25 killing of a man in the 700 block of Ioka Avenue. Officers found the victim suffering from gunshot wounds; he later died at the hospital. Suspect #1 is described as wearing a black ski mask, black shirt and red pants; Suspect #2 in a black shirt and black-and-white-striped pants. Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

July 4 previous

No new Memphis Police Department incidents had been made public as of this morning's deadline — a quiet start to the holiday weekend on paper, though MPD's desk typically sees a jump in calls once Fourth of July gatherings get underway after dark.

July 3

MPD investigating fatal shooting reported Friday morning

The Memphis Police Department said it is investigating a shooting that left one person dead, according to a Friday morning update. Few details, including a location or the victim's identity, had been released at the time of this report — we'll update as MPD releases more.

Man charged in February murder due back in court on separate charge

Carlos Burnom, charged with first-degree murder in the February 18 killing of Carreon Hearns near Dabbs Avenue and Cleoford Avenue, was scheduled to appear in court July 3 on a separate, unrelated bond matter, according to Action News 5. Burnom also faces attempted first-degree murder, aggravated robbery and weapons charges tied to the same shooting, which left a second victim critically wounded. 

July 3

MPD warns residents on drone use ahead of Independence Day — According to the Memphis Police Department, drones should not be flown near fireworks displays or other large public gatherings during this weekend's Independence Day celebrations, citing public safety risks around crowded events. The warning has teeth: flying a drone within or over a fireworks display without consent is a Class C misdemeanor under Tennessee state law. Separately, the FAA can fine violators up to $75,000 per violation for unsafe or unauthorized drone operations near crowds, and can suspend or revoke a pilot's certification — state and federal penalties apply independently, so a single reckless flight over a fireworks show can trigger both.

July 2

Multi-agency investigation overnight in South Memphis — Action News 5 reports Memphis Police, Tennessee Highway Patrol, and other agents converged on Elvis Presley Boulevard and Corporate Avenue just after 1 a.m., with a man seen handcuffed and placed in a THP cruiser. MPD has not yet released further details.

July 1

150 years for a Lyft-app double murder — Action News 5 reports Joshua Gossett was sentenced Wednesday after a jury convicted him on all counts in the October 2022 killings of Shunish Baggett and Richard Skelskey. Prosecutors said Gossett used the Lyft app to reach Baggett's home and shoot her, then requested a ride from the scene — accepted by 80-year-old driver Skelskey, whom Gossett shot in the head before stealing his car. WREG reports the case relied on Gossett's digital footprint, surveillance video, and roughly six hours of his own recorded statements to police.

Fugitive Unit apprehends 18-year-old wanted for first-degree murder — According to the Memphis Police Department, the MPD Fugitive Unit took 18-year-old Jeremy Williams into custody in the 400 block of Tillman Street. Action News 5 reports Williams turned himself in on a warrant charging first-degree murder, especially aggravated robbery, misdemeanor property theft, and employment of a firearm in a felony, stemming from a fatal shooting in the Cherokee neighborhood on May 16 that left a man dead on Sharpe Avenue.

June 30

Man clings to life after Southeast Memphis shooting — Action News 5 reports a man was fighting for his life this morning after arriving at a hospital following a shooting in Southeast Memphis. No suspect information has been released.

Overnight shooting investigated in Whitehaven industrial area — FOX13 Memphis reports Memphis Police responded around 2 a.m. to a shooting on East Brooks Road off Gemini Drive, near a cluster of warehouses. The investigation remains active with no arrests announced.

Arrest made in deadly Whitehaven apartment shooting — A 26-year-old man, Devon Jones, has been charged with second-degree murder and attempted murder in a shooting at the Winbranch Complex apartments that killed one man and seriously injured a woman, according to FOX13 Memphis. Court documents allege the shooting followed a marijuana purchase that turned into an argument.

‍Attempted Robbery Ends in Fatal Shooting at Jesse Turner Park: Two men were shot Monday morning during an attempted robbery at Jesse Turner Park in the 1300 block of Bellevue Boulevard in South Memphis. Officers responding at approximately 10:30 a.m. found both victims struck by gunfire; one was pronounced dead at the hospital while the other remained in critical condition. Crime scene tape was stretched around a playground area within the park. No suspect information was immediately released. WREG

Memphis Man Gets 34 Months for Trying to Run Over Federal Agent: Courtney Richardson, 36, was sentenced June 24 to 34 months in federal prison after attempting to run down an ATF agent with his vehicle during a December 2025 search warrant execution at his Memphis apartment complex. According to court documents, Richardson refused to surrender when U.S. Marshals and ATF agents arrived, then sped across the parking lot and through the apartment lawn directly toward an agent, who was forced to leap clear of the vehicle. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence, which will be followed by two years of supervised release. Action News 5

Hispanic Man Sentenced to 92 Years for Repeated Rape of Daughter: A Hispanic man received a 92-year prison sentence after being convicted of the repeated sexual assault of his own daughter, La Prensa Latina reported Tuesday. The case adds to a pattern of violent sex-crime prosecutions tracked by the Memphis Safe Task Force, which has logged more than 105 sex-offense arrests since its launch in September 2025. The man's name and court of jurisdiction were not detailed in the initial report.

Man Charged After Pregnant Woman Shot in Orange Mound Dispute: Shelby County records show Anthony Cook, 32, was charged June 30 with four counts of aggravated assault and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon after opening fire on a group of people outside a home on Pendleton Street in the Orange Mound neighborhood. Memphis Police Department investigators say Cook fired shots during an argument over a borrowed vehicle, striking a pregnant woman in the stomach. She was transported to the hospital in critical condition. Action News 5

June 29

Whitehaven Man Charged with Murder After Argument Over Religion Turns Fatal: Devon Jones, 26, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, and employing a firearm during a dangerous felony after fatally shooting Jacobie Amos and wounding a woman Sunday in the 3600 block of Branchway Drive in Whitehaven. According to Memphis Police, Jones sold marijuana to Amos and the woman — who were neighbors — then got into a heated argument with Amos over religion; Jones demanded his marijuana back before opening fire on both victims. Amos did not survive his injuries. Action News 5

Shooting Suspect Sought After Two Wounded Outside Wild Bill's Juke Joint: Memphis Police are searching for a man who opened fire outside Wild Bill's Juke Joint in the Vollintine-Evergreen neighborhood at approximately 5 a.m. Sunday, wounding two people. Investigators say two men were arguing outside the club before one drew a weapon and fired, striking both victims — one was shot and the other grazed by a bullet. No arrests had been made as of Sunday evening and no suspect description was publicly released. Fox 13 Memphis

West Tennessee Mother Indicted for Shooting Deaths of Her Two Young Children: Jessica Quarles, 32, of Kenton in Gibson County, was indicted Monday by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation on two counts each of first-degree premeditated murder and first-degree felony murder for the June 14 shooting deaths of her daughters — 1-year-old Landrie Harris and 11-year-old McKenna Young. Quarles was originally found in her home with stab wounds alongside the children's bodies and was hospitalized in Memphis in critical condition; investigators allege she was responsible for the children's deaths. She has been booked without bond into the Obion County Jail. Action News 5

June 28

Memphis Violent Crime Down Nearly 40%, Officials Warn Against Complacency: Memphis Police Department reported today that murders, rapes, aggravated assaults, robberies, vehicle thefts and burglaries are all down nearly 40% compared to this time last year, a milestone officials credit to the Memphis Safe Task Force while warning against letting the numbers breed complacency. Action News 5

DOJ Launches Nationwide Crime Initiative Modeled on Memphis: Acting Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced today a new national public safety initiative citing Memphis and Washington, D.C. as model cities for coordinated federal-local law enforcement, drawing directly from the framework of the Memphis Safe Task Force. Local Memphis

Saturday, June 27

Man Fatally Shot in Parkway Village, Suspect Detained: Memphis Police responded to a shooting in the 4100 block of Tarrywood Drive at 6:53 p.m. yesterday, where a man was pronounced dead at the scene and another man was detained. FOX13 Memphis

Four Detained After Whitehaven Man Shot in Critical Condition: Memphis Police said a man arrived critically wounded at an area hospital just before 8:15 a.m. yesterday after a shooting in the 4800 block of Shayne Lane in Whitehaven, with four people subsequently detained. FOX13 Memphis

University of Memphis Football Player Dismissed After Handgun Arrest on Campus: University of Memphis defensive lineman Chris Stokes was arrested June 26 after campus police found a Glock 19 in his backpack during a traffic stop on Goodlett Street, and the university immediately dismissed him from the football program. WREG

Memphis Woman Charged with Shooting Tow Truck Driver Over Repossessed Car: Memphis Police charged Iysha Chapman June 25 with aggravated assault after she allegedly told a repo driver "I will kill you" and shot him in the shoulder as he repossessed her Lincoln on Macon Road. Action News 5

Teen Charged with Reckless Homicide in East Memphis Airbnb Party Shooting: Memphis Police arrested Cory Hemphill, 18, June 11 and charged him with reckless homicide in the February 13 shooting death of an 18-year-old at a Valentine's Day party at a short-term rental in East Memphis. WREG

Young Mob Gang Member Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal RICO Case: Larry Wilson, 36, of Memphis was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison after admitting to a racketeering pattern that included armed robbery and methamphetamine distribution as a member of the Young Mob gang. WREG

MPD Officer Shot in Parkway Village — Suspect Still at Large

A Memphis Police Department officer was critically injured in a shooting in the Parkway Village area, and as of this morning the suspect remains at large. MPD has a heavy presence in the area. Details on the circumstances are still developing; the officer was transported to Regional One Health. An officer-involved shooting with a fugitive suspect active in the community is a public safety situation that demands immediate resolution — the department has not yet indicated when an arrest is expected.

Two Killed in Whitehaven in Separate Overnight Shootings

Memphis Police are investigating two separate deadly shootings in the Whitehaven neighborhood, both occurring overnight. The double-homicide cluster in a single neighborhood in a single night illustrates that even as citywide numbers trend downward, concentrated violence in specific communities remains a stubborn and lethal reality. No suspects have been publicly identified in connection with either shooting.

Medical District, Orange Mound, and North Memphis Each See Shootings Overnight

Three additional shooting incidents across the city rounded out a violent 24 hours. A man was injured in an overnight shooting in the Medical District on Martin Luther King Avenue just after 12:30 a.m. A woman was seriously injured in a late-night shooting in Orange Mound. And a man sustained injuries in a Friday shooting that spanned multiple locations across North Memphis, according to MPD. All three remain under active investigation.

Driver Rams MPD Officer, Flees in South Memphis Traffic Stop

A driver deliberately used her vehicle to strike a Memphis Police officer during a routine traffic stop in South Memphis Thursday afternoon before leading officers on a multi-block pursuit. The officer was not critically injured. Separately, a 15-year-old girl was struck and injured by a hit-and-run driver Thursday night in South Memphis. Both incidents remain under investigation.

U of M Football Player Arrested on Weapons Charge

A University of Memphis football player was arrested after campus police discovered a firearm during a traffic stop Thursday, per court records. The player's name and specific charge have not yet been released publicly. The university has not issued a statement on the player's status with the program.

THURSDAY JUNE 25

Fugitive Who Shot MPD Officer Captured After Months on the Run: Memphis Police and the U.S. Marshals Service captured Oscar Torres-Molina today after a monthslong manhunt stemming from his alleged shooting of a Memphis police officer in late February, with a woman also arrested as an accessory. FOX13 Memphis

Memphis Zoo Among 40 Nationwide Hit With Bomb Hoaxes: The Memphis Zoo was one of 40 zoos and aquariums across the country targeted today by hoax bomb threats, with officials saying the callers appear to be acting for "fun." Daily Memphian

JUNE 24

Tami Sawyer Pleads Not Guilty to Six Federal Counts: Suspended Shelby County Court Clerk Tami Sawyer pleaded not guilty yesterday to six federal counts of theft, wire fraud, and money laundering for allegedly embezzling $44,607.35 in taxpayer funds on bars, hotels, food delivery, and personal travel. WREG

Incoming Commissioner Accused of Spending Grant Money on Herself: Incoming Shelby County Commissioner LaShanta Rudd was accused yesterday of spending more than $10,000 in City of Memphis grant money on herself — including the purchase of a Nissan Sentra — instead of directing the funds to her nonprofit. Daily Memphian

Hernandez Govan Ordered Held Without Bond in Federal Custody: Former Memphis City Schools board member Hernandez Govan was ordered held yesterday after federal prosecutors argued he poses a continuing danger to the victim in his cyberstalking case. WREG

Memphis Safe Task Force Crosses 10,000 Arrests, 1,708 Guns Off the Streets: The Memphis Safe Task Force surpassed 10,000 total criminal arrests yesterday and confirmed the seizure of 1,708 illegal firearms since the operation launched in September 2025. U.S. Marshals Service

Senatobia Toddler Shooting Death Turned Over to State Investigators: The Senatobia Police Department handed the investigation into the police shooting death of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation yesterday. Daily Memphian

Lindsey Whiteside Murder Trial Delayed for Second Time: The murder trial of Lindsey Whiteside in DeSoto County was postponed yesterday for the second time since last month, with no new trial date announced. Daily Memphian

June 24

Medical District Shooting Wounds Man Early This Morning: Memphis Police responded to a shooting call just after 12:30 a.m. in the 400 block of Martin Luther King Avenue in the medical district. Officers found a man suffering from gunshot wounds; he was transported to the hospital in non-critical condition. No suspect information has been released. WREG

Yesterday June 23

Crump Demands Video and Independent Autopsy in Police Killing of 1-Year-Old in Senatobia: Civil rights attorney Ben Crump and Van Turner — former Shelby County commissioner and former president of the Memphis Branch NAACP — held a press conference on behalf of the family of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley, killed June 14 when a Senatobia, Mississippi police officer fired into a vehicle during a Walmart shoplifting call over diapers. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation says the driver moved the vehicle toward an officer before the shot was fired; Kohen's mother disputes the account. Crump called the language used in the police report — describing a toddler as a "juvenile" — a deliberate framing to pre-justify the shooting. Body camera footage, dash cam video, and Walmart surveillance have not been released. Tri-State Defender

East Memphis Murder-Suicide Investigated as Domestic Violence Killing: Memphis Police are investigating the deaths of a man and a woman at The Den Apartments on Mynders Avenue as an apparent domestic violence murder-suicide. Officers responded before 2 a.m. after witnesses reported a couple arguing in the parking lot followed by gunfire. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene; the man died at the hospital. Identities are pending family notification. La Prensa Latina

Two Unknown Vice Lords Sentenced to 50 Years Each in Federal Gang Execution Case: Edward Allen, 42, aka "E-Money," of Los Angeles, and Deandre Rodgers, 29, aka "Dre," of Memphis, were each sentenced May 13 to 50 years in federal prison after a jury convicted them in February for a gang-ordered execution. The two were high-ranking members of the Unknown Vice Lords, also known as The Ghost Mob, a criminal enterprise that controlled territory throughout Memphis and into Arkansas and Mississippi. The murder was carried out in retaliation for the killing of the gang's Tennessee Supreme Elite Chief. Daily Memphian

South Memphis shooting under investigation with no immediate word on injuries or suspect Action News 5 reports the Memphis Police Department is investigating a late-night shooting on the 1300 block of Elvis Presley Boulevard. No immediate details regarding injuries or suspect information have been released as the investigation remains ongoing.

Fight escalates to shooting in Southeast Shelby County leaving woman with non-critical gunshot wound Action News 5 reports a dispute near Ross Road and Walter Forest Cove escalated into a shooting Monday evening. A woman sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and fled more than four miles before being located and transported by the Shelby County Sheriff's Office to Regional One Health in non-critical condition.

Teens charged after knife-point carjacking in Parkway Village leads to high-speed chase ending in bus crash Action News 5 reports Memphis Police charged 18-year-old Romann Luster and a 15-year-old following a June 20 knife-point robbery in Parkway Village. The incident led to a high-speed chase that ended in a crash into a bus on Aloha Avenue, and a stolen gun was recovered from Luster during arrest.

Second whistleblower sues Tami Sawyer alleging retaliation over reporting irregular spending Action News 5 reports a second former court employee, executive assistant Keona Bean whose salary was cut $29,000 after she reported irregular spending, filed a retaliation lawsuit today against suspended Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk Tami Sawyer. Sawyer was federally indicted June 15 on theft, fraud, and money laundering charges that could carry 20 years and has pleaded not guilty.

June 22

Woman arrested after stealing ambulance from Methodist North Hospital and abandoning it on Summer Avenue Action News 5 reports Jazaria Dorsey, 26, is in police custody after allegedly stealing an ambulance from Methodist North Hospital and abandoning it following a brief joyride. The vehicle was recovered on Summer Avenue after Dorsey's discharge from the facility.

Memphis Police investigate shooting near East Shelby Drive and Tulane Road that left one man hospitalized Action News 5 reports the Memphis Police Department responded to a shooting in the Whitehaven area. One male victim was located and transported to the hospital for treatment. Investigators are working to identify suspects and determine the circumstances of the incident.

Defense attorney challenges federal timing in Govan cyberstalking charges WREG reports defense attorney Claiborne Ferguson argues that federal authorities arrested Hernandez Govan on cyberstalking charges shortly after state authorities released him on bond, calling the sequencing "highly suspicious." Govan was previously acquitted in the killing of rapper Young Dolph. The defense contends the timing raises questions about coordinated prosecution efforts.

Man shot in critical condition yesterday near Autumn Avenue and N. Bellevue Boulevard in Midtown WREG reports the Memphis Police Department responded to a shooting in Midtown yesterday. A man was found with gunshot wounds and rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Police describe the suspect as wearing a hoodie and black shorts and remain at large. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Memphis Police.

Memphis Police arrest suspect yesterday in anti-violence meeting mass shooting that killed one and wounded five FOX13 Memphis reports the Memphis Police Department arrested Pacarie Roberts in connection with a mass shooting at a Memphis Allies anti-gun-violence meeting in Hickory Hill. Matthew Williams, 22, was killed and five others wounded in the incident. Roberts is charged with criminal facilitation of first-degree murder.

Convicted felon arrested in Lamar Avenue hotel drug bust with fentanyl and methamphetamine WREG reports the West Tennessee Violent Crime and Drug Task Force arrested a Memphis man at the Deluxe Inn & Suites on Lamar Avenue. Officers seized approximately a quarter-ounce of fentanyl and a half-ounce of methamphetamine during a traffic stop that revealed the suspect to be a convicted felon in possession of controlled substances.

Federal jury convicts two Memphis men yesterday in carjacking and shooting of ATM technician U.S. Department of Justice reports a federal jury found Alvin Anthony, 31, and Royce Newsome, 33, guilty of carjacking and shooting a 67-year-old ATM technician in north Memphis. Newsome faces a mandatory 10-year consecutive prison sentence on top of other counts in the case.

June 21

Woman shot inside vehicle near Bartlett upgraded to non-critical condition FOX13 Memphis reports the Shelby County Sheriff's Office responded around 10:30 p.m. to the area of New Brownsville and St. Elmo Street, just outside Bartlett city limits, where deputies found a woman shot inside a car. The victim was rushed to the hospital in critical condition but her condition was later upgraded to non-critical. No additional details regarding the circumstances of the shooting have been released.

Man shot in critical condition near Autumn Avenue and N. Bellevue Boulevard in Midtown WREG reports the Memphis Police Department responded to a shooting in Midtown. A man was found with gunshot wounds and rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Police describe the suspect as wearing a hoodie and black shorts and remain at large. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Memphis Police.

Memphis Police arrest suspect in anti-violence meeting mass shooting that killed one and wounded five FOX13 Memphis reports the Memphis Police Department arrested Pacarie Roberts in connection with a mass shooting at a Memphis Allies anti-gun-violence meeting in Hickory Hill. Matthew Williams, 22, was killed and five others wounded in the incident. Roberts is charged with criminal facilitation of first-degree murder.

West Memphis 3 legal team reports DNA test results expected next month in 1993 triple-murder case Action News 5 reports the legal team for the West Memphis 3 says DNA test results from evidence cleared for advanced testing are expected to be completed soon. The testing involves evidence from the 1993 triple-murder case that led to the controversial convictions of the three men later exonerated.

Convicted felon arrested in Lamar Avenue hotel drug bust with fentanyl and methamphetamine WREG reports the West Tennessee Violent Crime and Drug Task Force arrested a Memphis man at the Deluxe Inn & Suites on Lamar Avenue. Officers seized approximately a quarter-ounce of fentanyl and a half-ounce of methamphetamine during a traffic stop that revealed the suspect to be a convicted felon in possession of controlled substances.

Federal jury convicts two Memphis men in carjacking and shooting of ATM technician U.S. Department of Justice reports a federal jury found Alvin Anthony, 31, and Royce Newsome, 33, guilty of carjacking and shooting a 67-year-old ATM technician in north Memphis. Newsome faces a mandatory 10-year consecutive prison sentence on top of other counts in the case.

Memphis — Child sexual-abuse case — ICAC investigation leads to arrest — Memphis Police report that a citizen tip and investigation by MPD’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force led to the arrest of 47-year-old Cedric Jackson. Police said the investigation began in April after a member of the public reported concerns that Jackson had recorded himself sexually abusing a minor. MPD said investigators identified multiple child victims and nearly 100 alleged images and videos. Jackson was charged with rape, three counts of rape of a child and three counts of especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor. Police said he was being held on a $3.6 million bond and that the investigation remains ongoing. Tips or possible victim information: MPD ICAC Task Force, 901-636-3240.

Man Shot at Whitehaven Gas Station, Suspect Flees in Silver Cadillac: Memphis Police Department officers responded just before 3 a.m. Friday to the Sunoco station at East Shelby Drive and Tulane Road in Whitehaven after a man was found with a gunshot wound. He was transported to the hospital in non-critical condition. Investigators say the suspect fled in a silver Cadillac sedan; no arrest has been reported. La Prensa Latina

Memphis Violent Crime Down More Than 40% Since Trump Task Force Launch: Fox News reports that since President Trump's September 2025 Presidential Memorandum launched the Memphis Safe Task Force, violent crime in the city has fallen more than 40%. The operation has surpassed 10,000 arrests — including 92 for homicide and 105 for sex offenses — while removing 1,727 illegal firearms from Memphis streets. Law enforcement experts are citing the Memphis model as a blueprint for other cities. Fox News

Cordova — 9200 block of Morning Glow Cove — Woman critically hurt in apartment shooting — Action News 5 reports that a woman was critically wounded Saturday night at a Cordova apartment complex. Memphis Police responded just after 8:50 p.m. June 20 to the 9200 block of Morning Glow Cove. Police said 36-year-old William Owens was charged after a woman he was in a relationship with was shot and taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Summer Avenue — 3600 block — Shots fired at driver; business damaged — Memphis Police report that officers responded at 2:30 p.m. June 18 to an aggravated assault in the 3600 block of Summer Avenue. Police said a suspect fired multiple shots at a victim as the victim drove away. The victim was not injured, but the vehicle and a nearby business were damaged. MPD said the suspect was a Black male with cornrows, wearing a black T-shirt, gray shorts and black-and-white shoes. Tips: CrimeStoppers, 901-528-CASH.

South Memphis — 700 block of Gage Avenue — Victim shot at by multiple suspects — Memphis Police report that officers were flagged down around 1:50 p.m. June 13 by a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound in the 700 block of Gage Avenue. Police said the victim had been approached by multiple male suspects and that shots were fired as the victim attempted to drive away. MPD listed four suspects, at least two armed with handguns. Tips: CrimeStoppers, 901-528-CASH.

North Memphis / Raleigh area — Allencrest Cove — Man critically injured, woman detained — Action News 5 reports that Memphis Police were called around 6:15 p.m. June 11 to Allencrest Cove, north of Raleigh, where officers found a man who had been shot. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Police said a woman was detained in connection with the shooting.

Leland Street — 1500 block — Juvenile wounded after shots fired into home — Memphis Police report that officers responded at about 7:42 p.m. May 29 to a shooting in the 1500 block of Leland Street. Officers found a juvenile victim, who was taken to the hospital in non-critical condition. Police said multiple shots were fired into the home while victims were inside. Investigators said surveillance video showed the suspect vehicle was a gray Acura TL. Tips: CrimeStoppers, 901-528-CASH.

Whitehaven — East Shelby Drive and Tulane Road — Man hospitalized after gas-station shooting — La Prensa Latina, citing WREG, reports that Memphis Police responded just before 3 a.m. June 19 to a shooting at the Sunoco gas station near East Shelby Drive and Tulane Road. Officers found a man with a gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital in non-critical condition. Investigators said the suspect left in a silver Cadillac sedan.

June 20

Shelby County Commissioners Approve $12.50 Criminal Fine to Fund District Attorney's Office: Shelby County commissioners voted June 20 to impose a new $12.50 criminal surcharge on offenders to help fund the chronically underfunded Shelby County District Attorney's Office, a measure backed by DA Steve Mulroy amid persistent budget pressure on local prosecution resources. Tri-State Defender

General Sessions Court Clerk Tami Sawyer Indicted on Six Federal Counts — Accused of Stealing $44K in Public Funds: Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk Tami Sawyer — a former county commissioner and 2019 Memphis mayoral candidate — appeared in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee after turning herself in June 16 on a six-count federal indictment. Prosecutors allege she used government-issued procurement cards and county travel funds between August 2024 and June 2025 to pay for personal expenses including alcohol, Uber Eats, bars, hotels, restaurants, Memphis Tigers purchases, FedExForum charges and PayPal transfers — stealing a total of approximately $44,607.35 in public funds. The indictment also alleges a "money mule" scheme using a co-conspirator's PayPal account and Cash App. Sawyer faces up to 20 years in prison. Her attorney John Keith Perry said, "She is not guilty of these charges." Tri-State Defender

MSTF Nabs Murder Suspect Near Downtown, Seizes 2 Lbs. of Meth in Thursday Sweep: The Memphis Safe Task Force on June 12 executed 30 arrests and seized six firearms. Everett Walker, 33, a suspect in a March 2025 homicide, was apprehended outside a storage facility at 300 South Front Street after MSTF established surveillance and boxed in his rental vehicle. Also arrested were Susan Williams, 44, and Billy Bailey, 56, following a traffic stop on Macon Road where officers found two pounds of crystal methamphetamine hidden under a seat. Xavier Beck, 41, was taken on an outstanding aggravated kidnapping warrant and found with two handguns; Taurus Gillum, 23, a convicted felon, was arrested during a reckless-driving stop and found with a loaded pistol and marijuana. U.S. Marshals Service

East Memphis Suspected Domestic Murder-Suicide Leaves Man and Woman Dead: Memphis Police responded early Tuesday, June 16, to a report of gunfire at a residence in East Memphis, arriving to find a man and a woman — both suffering gunshot wounds — pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators believe the incident was a domestic-violence-related murder-suicide, though the identities of the victims have not been released pending family notification. La Prensa Latina

Honduran National Indicted for Machete Murder of Roommate in Southaven: Maberic Javier Reyes has been formally indicted by a DeSoto County grand jury on first-degree murder charges following the machete killing of his roommate inside a Southaven, Mississippi, residence in January. The case stemmed from an argument between the two men that escalated into a fatal attack. District Attorney Matthew Barton commended rapid police response as critical to advancing the case. Reyes remains in custody as proceedings continue in DeSoto County Circuit Court. La Prensa Latina

MSTF Arrests Teens on Attempted Murder Charges, Recovers AR-Style Rifle in Bedroom: The Memphis Safe Task Force on June 11 executed 44 arrests and seized 13 firearms. Kobe Benson, 18, and Josiah Blackwell, 19, were taken into custody at a residence on Hickory Hill Road on attempted murder charges stemming from a June 7 shooting and robbery in which Benson allegedly shot the victim twice and stole his marijuana and phone. After multiple failed attempts to breach the front door, officers entered through a window; under Benson's bed they recovered a fully loaded AR-style rifle with an additional loaded magazine. Both are also suspected in a second shooting. U.S. Marshals Service

June 18

Memphis Crime Ticking Upward Month by Month: Fox 13 Memphis reports crime figures have increased slightly each month through mid-2026, even as overall numbers remain far below historical highs. The Memphis Police Department credits ongoing pressure from the Memphis Safe Task Force, now in its ninth month of operations, with keeping a lid on more dramatic surges. WREG

Firefighter Drag Racing Charges Dropped: A Shelby County judge dismissed charges against Memphis firefighters accused of drag racing and evading arrest. Details on the ruling were not immediately available. Local Memphis

June 17

Sawyer Suspended 60 Days Following Federal Indictment: General Sessions Court Clerk Tamara Sawyer was suspended by court order following a federal grand jury indictment on six counts — conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, theft of federal funds, and interstate racketeering. Prosecutors allege she embezzled $44,607 in county procurement and travel card funds between August 2024 and June 2025. Sawyer turned in her badge, keys, and all system access under the order, though she continues drawing salary and benefits. She has pleaded not guilty and was released on her own recognizance. Action News 5

MSTF Nabs Attempted Murder Suspects in Hickory Hill: The Memphis Safe Task Force arrested Kobe Benson, 18, and Josiah Blackwell, 19, at a residence in the 2900 block of Hickory Hill Road on attempted murder charges stemming from a June 7 robbery-shooting. Benson allegedly shot the victim, stole marijuana and a phone, then shot him a second time. When suspects refused to respond to officers, MSTF breached the residence through a front window. Agents found a fully loaded AR-style rifle under Benson's bed with a spare loaded magazine. The operation was part of 44 total arrests and 13 firearms seized that day. U.S. Marshals Service

MSTF Crosses 10,000 Arrests, Seizes 1,700+ Firearms: The Memphis Safe Task Force surpassed 10,000 total arrests on June 10, recovering 1,708 illegal firearms since the operation launched in September 2025. Among notable arrests: Cory Hemphill, 18, on reckless homicide; Andrew Delatorre, 19, wanted on child sex crime charges and tracked to South Gate, California, where U.S. Marshals in Los Angeles took him into custody; and Lysander Davis, 59, and Trey Davis, 25, on narcotics and firearms charges — officers seized approximately 26 pounds of marijuana, three semi-automatic handguns, and an AK-47 rifle. U.S. Marshals Service

MSTF Murder Arrest on Anisetree Drive: The Memphis Safe Task Force arrested Jeremiah White, 18, and a 16-year-old juvenile on June 9 on first-degree murder charges following a robbery-turned-shooting in the 7100 block of Anisetree Drive. Three individuals were ambushed during what was arranged as a marijuana transaction; one victim later died. White and the juvenile confronted buyers with an AR pistol and a semi-automatic handgun before opening fire. Officers recovered a firearm and other evidence during a subsequent search warrant execution. U.S. Marshals Service

Memphis Firefighters Drag Racing — Charges Dismissed: Prosecutors dropped charges against a group of Memphis firefighters accused of drag racing and evading arrest on city streets. No further details on the court's reasoning were immediately available. Local Memphis

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