A 23-year-old man from Memphis, identified as Guyland Key, has been hit with an array of charges over his alleged involvement in the conspicuous burglary of a Southaven gun store and jeweler last year. According to DeSoto County News, Key is facing one count each of weapons trafficking, burglary of a commercial building, conspiracy, and grand larceny, as detailed in the indictment handed down by a DeSoto County grand jury.
Described as a "Memphis gangster" by the DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton, an aura of infamy now clings to Key, who is said to have participated in the smash-and-grab job at Guns & Fine Jewelry on March 10, 2023. "This indictment sends a clear message: if you come from Memphis or anywhere else to commit crimes in DeSoto County, we’re coming after you with everything we have," Barton asserted in a statement quoted by Action News 5. Authorities lauded the diligent police work leading to the arrest and subsequent charges.
Demonstrating the depth of the heist, shop surveillance captured Key and his accomplices fully clad in hoods, gloves, and masks, meticulously clearing the establishment of over 150 firearms and unspecified jewelry, all within a swift three-minute window. Assistant D.A. Gordon Shaw is said to be leading the charge on the prosecution for this case.
After being apprehended in Arkansas, Key remains in custody, awaiting extradition to face the aforementioned charges in DeSoto County. Meanwhile, the investigation remains an active pursuit, with the ATF calling for tips from the public and offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to additional arrests. A single stolen gun from the heist, a Glock 17 9mm, surfaced five months post-burglary during a Memphis traffic stop, hinting at the ongoing circulation of the stolen firearms. "One of the stolen guns was found five months after the burglary at an Applebee's on Union Avenue in Memphis during a traffic stop," according to Memphis Police, as reported by FOX13 Memphis.
Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to reach out to ATF at (888) ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), the ATF Oxford Field Office at 662-513-2140, or directly contact the Southaven Police Department at 662-393-8652.
