In a case that has shocked the Southwest Memphis community, two men have been charged with the murder of a beloved local hairstylist and her friend. Memphis Police Department has confirmed the arrests of 21-year-old Desmond Emery and 22-year-old Jonathan Rush in connection with the deaths, as reported by FOX13 Memphis.
The victims, Ellen Grandberry and Sharon Wilson were found set to rest inside a car riddled with bullet holes on Manson Road on the afternoon of December 16. In an interview with WREG, Daffaney Lee, who worked with Grandberry at a salon named Stitches several years ago, said, "It’s just horrible regardless if they were trying to carjack them or mistakingly got the wrong car." Lee added, “I just heard they were shot up." Additional charges for Emery and Rush include theft of property and weapons charges, with Rush facing an additional charge of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
Grandberry remembered for her vibrant personality and exceptional talent in hairstyling, was a fixture in the local industry. "The first salon she opened up was called ‘1-in-A Million,’ it was years ago, years ago. Mine was ‘Beloved Me Beautiful,’ and hers was 1-in-A Million," Dr. Barbara Love reminisced in a statement obtained by Action News 5. Described as down-to-earth and inspiringly lavish in her lifestyle, the impact of her loss resonates beyond the walls of a salon to a community mourning two of their own.
Rush is expected to appear in court on Friday, and Emery is slated for a court appearance on January 9, as detailed by WREG.
