Tragedy struck near a historic educational establishment in South Memphis where two individuals lost their lives due to gun violence. Near Booker T. Washington High School, gunfire erupted at around 3 p.m. on yesterday. According to Action News 5, the authorities were summoned to the junction of Lauderdale Street and Mississippi Boulevard. The police have yet to disclose if the victims or the shooter(s) were associated with the school, and have kept their identities under wraps.
Following the incident, and working around a blue tarp that marked the grim scene, Memphis Police Department (MPD) officials intensified their search for evidence. Deputy Chief Webb Kirkdoffer stressed the dedication to the case, stating, "We will leave no stone unturned in this investigation to make sure that we bring those who committed this act to justice," in a statement shared by FOX13 Memphis. The episode led to a lockdown at Booker T. Washington High School, which was later lifted allowing students to leave.
Amid the ongoing investigations, a witness detailed the harrowing moment to WREG, reporting that they had observed three individuals in ski masks, armed with rifles, pursuing a target. According to the same witness, the assailants fired several rounds before doubling back to shoot again. Speculations have arisen that more individuals might have sustained injuries during the incident.
Compounding the community's grief, Mary Trice, CEO of Ride of Tears – an organization that commemorates young victims of gunfire – said, "The whole community ought to be hurt, we’re losing every day, and enough is enough." Trice shared with WREG the heartbreak of a mother who had bought a prom suit for her son, which tragically turned out to be his funeral attire. This sentiment echoes across the community, as Deputy Chief Kirkdoffer also acknowledged the emotional weight of the violence, affirming, "It takes a toll on everybody, but rest assured, we will make sure we do everything possible to get those who committed this act."
As MPD continues its quest for answers, they are calling on anyone with information, especially video footage of the tragic event, to come forward. Tips can be provided to CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH. In a social media message, MPD declared, "Enough is enough. Senseless gun violence has no place in our city. We stand united with our community - this will not be tolerated," a sentiment shared in the wake of multiple shootings that have recently plagued the city.
