Memphis interim Police Chief C.J. Davis urged unity and offered a $15,000 reward for information leading to arrests of those behind the Saturday shootings at an illegal block party that resulted in two deaths and at least six injured in a Sunday statement.
Davis described the events at the illegal block party as “senseless acts of violence,” then asked Memphis citizens for help finding the culprits.
“If you have any information, no matter how small it may seem, please come forward,” urged Davis. “Your courage could be the key to bringing justice and closure to the victims and their families.”
The Memphis Police Department (MPD) later confirmed the reward for information leading to arrests was increased to $15,000.
Please see the below statement from Chief “CJ” Davis regarding the Orange Mound Shooting. pic.twitter.com/6C5Ii8XRfW
— Memphis Police Dept (@MEM_PoliceDept) April 21, 2024
In her statement, Davis additionally confirmed state and federal involvement in the investigation and pledged to preserve anonymity of tips received through Crime Stoppers.
“Let’s stand united against these senseless acts and strive for a brighter, safer future for all,” said Davis.
Police previously confirmed the event, held without a permit, included up to 300 individuals at Orange Mound Park. Video from the incident shows a vehicle performing burnouts with when gunfire abruptly caused the crowd to panic and disperse.
BULLETIN: There's a mass shooting in Orange Mound. It's bad. There are multiple injuries. More details to come on KWAM – where Memphis goes for breaking news. This is video purportedly from the scene. Follow @benpdeeter and @Mighty990KWAM pic.twitter.com/XBQ2Q8XyFa
— KWAM News Radio 990 AM Memphis (@Mighty990KWAM) April 21, 2024
Memphis Mayor Paul Young similarly urged an end to violence in Memphis in an earlier statement, declaring, “The violence must end. For the future of our city, we have to solve the problem together.”
MPD officials recently confirmed the city surpassed 100 homicides this year, with police declaring Memphis is on pace to see nearly 400 killings by the end of 2024.
In 2023, the city boasted the highest homicide rate per capita when compared to other United States cities known for crime, surpassing cities including Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit and Baltimore.
Prior to taking office, Young promised a hard-hitting crime plan within his first 100 days in office after the murder of St. Jude Children’s Hospital researcher Alexander Bulakhov last November.
He later appeared at a January press conference with State House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville), State Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis) and other state and local leaders to unveil a new constitutional amendment that would expand judges’ ability to decline or withhold bond and require written explanations for some bail decisions.
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Tom Pappert is the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star, and also reports for The Georgia Star News, The Virginia Star, and the The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Tom on X/Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Memphis PD Chief CJ Davis” by Memphis Police Department.
