The Memphis Safe Task Force, in a continued effort to combat violent crime, has arrested a third suspect in connection with a murder case earlier this year. Dande Ashby, 23, was taken into custody at approximately 7:40 p.m. on Thursday, in Horn Lake, Mississippi. This latest development follows the earlier arrests of Machaela Shelton, 19, and Darreone McDowell, 19, the U.S. Marshals Service reports.
As the alleged second shooter, Ashby has been implicated in the February 2, 2025 murder of Adrien Prewitt, who prosecutors say was set up by Shelton to be robbed. During the attempted robbery gone awry, Prewitt suffered multiple gunshot wounds leading to his death. Law enforcement officials, who arrested Ashby without incident, were stationed in the 1600 block of Commerce Parkway.
"Occasionally, we may not get the suspect immediately after the crime," U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Tennessee, Tyreece Miller, noted in a statement obtained by U.S. Marshals Service. "But no matter what, we will not stop until we get the suspect. We are happy that Adrein's family can now sleep better knowing all three of the individuals involved in this heinous crime are behind bars where they belong."
The success of the Memphis Safe Task Force hinges on a combined force of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies working in unison. The arrest of Ashby is testament to their shared commitment to a safer Memphis, with the Task Force emphasizing that violent offenders will be rooted out and brought to justice. The collaborative efforts of these agencies have made it possible, rather than arresting individuals acting with violence, to foster public safety.
