In a series of incidents that have unsettled the Downtown Memphis community, Karl Loucks, a former military serviceman, is facing a slew of charges tied to violent attacks against the unhoused population. According to Action News 5, Loucks is already incarcerated for the alleged murder of Shaun Rhea, a homeless man who was fatally shot. The latest records from the Shelby County Court show that only days before the shooting, Loucks is also to have allegedly attacked another unhoused man with a knife.
The May 25 assault took place inside a portable restroom in a Downtown hotel parking lot, where the victim reportedly slept. The individual, injured behind his left ear and on his right thumb, identified Loucks as the attacker, as reported by ABC News. This narrative aligns with an affidavit stating Loucks attacked Rhea after first pepper-spraying him, then returning with a rifle to carry out the shooting. Court documents and witness reports suggest a pattern of violence by Loucks against those experiencing homelessness.
Loucks served in the U.S. Army from September 2007 until August 2013 and was discharged due to a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder, his lawyer Blake Ballin shared, as per ABC News.
Local Memphis detailed the law enforcement response, revealing that the May 31 shooting incident was documented by a security guard, who tried to diffuse the situation by notifying Loucks that he was being recorded. Despite efforts to de-escalate, Loucks allegedly reappeared armed and opened fire. Loucks faces a first-degree murder.
