A woman was injured after a shooting incident deemed self-defense by the Shelby County Sheriff's Office. The event transpired late Wednesday at a residence on Autumn Harvest Lane in southeast Shelby County. 21-year-old Kimari Burnham, one of the alleged intruders, was found critically wounded from a gunshot, reported Action News 5.
According to WREG, Burnham, along with Dejwan Payne, 22, and Nala Kelley, 21, arrived uninvited at the home, threatening the resident inside. The confrontation led to Burnham and Kelley forcefully entering the premises by kicking in the front door, after which a single shot was fired by the homeowner. The injured Burnham was taken to Regional One Hospital and has since been updated to non-critical condition.
The Sheriff's Office, based on evidence and witness testimonies, supported the homeowner's claim that the shooting was an act of self-defense. In a statement obtained by FOX13 Memphis, officials conveyed, "According to evidence and witness statements, the suspects began banging on the front door and threatening the occupant inside."
The resident, who has not been charged, fired the shot out of fear for her and her children's safety. As per the investigation findings, "The resident will not face charges related to the incident," clarified SCSO, indicating the legality of the resident's response to the perceived threat. In the aftermath, Burnham, along with Kelley and Payne, have been charged with aggravated burglary, and Burnham and Kelley face additional misdemeanor vandalism charges, as detailed by FOX13 Memphis.
SCSO is urging anyone with additional information that may assist in the ongoing investigation to reach out to CrimeStoppers. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 901-528-CASH.
