Memphis Police Department has arrested a 43-year-old woman, Tequilla Curry, in connection with a shooting of a 14-year-old girl that took place near the Whitehaven Community Center. The incident, which unfolded on the afternoon of September 5, has led to charges against Curry including aggravated assault, vandalism, and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, as per Action News 5.
Authorities responded to reports of a shooting around 3:50 p.m. at the community center located on Graceland Drive. According to police records cited by FOX13 Memphis, the young victim was engaged in a fight with another child when she was pepper sprayed by Curry. During the altercation, gunshots rang out, and the girl realized she had been shot in the arm. The victim was subsequently transported to a hospital for treatment.
Curry, who reportedly fled the scene in a black Chevrolet Malibu, is also alleged to have fired another shot as she left, which struck a 2008 Infiniti, according to police records. This detail adds to the gravity of her charges, as it suggests a disregard for the safety of others in the vicinity. The investigation into the incident also revealed that Curry is a convicted felon, previously charged with reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon stemming from an incident in 2009.
In a statement obtained by WREG, Curry's aunt, opting for anonymity, expressed her disbelief and offered some insight into her niece's character: "She’s not the animal they are pretending she is," she said. "For her bond to be that high, I can't believe it. That was my little mini-me growing up. We did things I talked to her we played cards we did everything growing up. I don’t know this person there are trying to put together. It hurts my heart a ton just to find this out, but she’s not a bad person.” She hinted at a maternal instinct as a possible explanation for her niece's actions, saying, "A mother would do anything to protect their children... and I understand that."
The Memphis community remains shocked by this violent altercation. As Curry faces multiple charges, the case continues to develop, shedding light on the events that led up to the injury of the teenager. This situation has ignited conversations on crime, safety, and the presence of firearms in community spaces, highlighting an ongoing challenge for local authorities and community leaders in Memphis and beyond.
