A Memphis man accused in a New Year’s Eve shooting that killed an Army veteran in Hickory Hill is set to go before a judge, as prosecutors move ahead with formal murder charges tied to a quiet cul-de-sac just off the 3700 block of Maple Leaf Cove.
Suspect charged, court date set
Memphis police say 43-year-old Kobie Deunta Hope has been charged with first-degree murder and with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. He is being held on a combined bond of $545,000 and is expected in Shelby County court on Tuesday morning, according to WREG.
Victim identified as Army veteran
Officers responded shortly after 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2024, to the 3700 block of Maple Leaf Cove, where they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to Regional One Hospital and later died, according to Action News 5. Family members identified him as Army veteran Charles Cicalla, as reported by FOX13 Memphis. The killing was previously covered by Hoodline in a report on the victim being fatally shot on New Year's Eve.
Earlier arrest and bond history
Court records show Hope was arrested on Dec. 22 on an aggravated-assault complaint after police say he threatened a neighbor who had stepped outside to help shooting victims. A judge later reduced a recommended $100,000 bond to $75,000 on Dec. 26, and Hope posted that bond before the homicide charge was filed, according to WREG.
