In an early morning act of violence that shocked a Memphis neighborhood, two men were charged with the first-degree murder of a man who was gunned down while performing the simple act of taking out the trash. Police have named Keith Coffer, 25, and Jaylin Lewis, 22, as the individuals responsible for the death of Cameron Newby, according to Action News 5.
The Memphis Police Department stated that the fatal encounter occurred before dawn on Wednesday, on Heard Avenue in the Hollywood community. The victim was reportedly assisting a woman with her trash when a white Nissan Maxima drove past, executed a U-turn, and opened fire, as detailed by FOX13 Memphis. A witness on the front porch recounted the chilling moment: she "worried" for Newby's safety and helplessly watched the assassination unfold, having already experienced a shooting incident at the same location hours before.
Newby was rushed to Regional One Hospital in critical condition after the shooting but succumbed to his injuries. The arrest of Coffer and Lewis was expedited by the testimonies of two witnesses who unequivocally identified them as the assailants. Both suspects were incarcerated without bond and are scheduled for a court appearance on Friday morning.
The details surrounding the motive for the shooting remain unclear as the investigation continues. However, the quick apprehension of the accused culprits suggests that witnesses were instrumental in providing law enforcement with actionable intelligence. The tragic incident has thrust the Hollywood neighborhood, and the routine and often overlooked act of taking out the trash, into a sobering spotlight.
