Two years after a deadly mass shooting at Orange Mound Park left two people dead and several others wounded, Memphis police say they are still searching for whoever pulled the trigger. On the anniversary, the Memphis Police Department told reporters there have been no arrests and that the investigation is still active, leaving a neighborhood that was packed into an unsanctioned block party that night still demanding answers.
The shooting broke out late on April 20, 2024, during a large, unpermitted block party near Carnes Avenue and Grand Street, where police said hundreds of people had gathered and at least two people were killed while multiple others were wounded, according to The Associated Press. Investigators initially reported a higher victim count before revising the total and said at least two shooters opened fire, based on statements from Memphis police. The barrage of gunfire prompted city leaders to press for tighter crowd control and for anyone with video or tips to step forward.
Federal and local agencies have tried to jump-start new leads with reward money: the U.S. Marshals Service added funds in April 2024 and noted that CrimeStoppers and the city contributed additional rewards, pushing the total toward $25,000. In that announcement, marshals urged anyone with video or tips to contact CrimeStoppers. Even with the cash on the table, investigators say the case has yet to produce a suspect in custody.
On Tuesday, Memphis police told local outlets that there were still no arrests and that "this is an ongoing investigation," according to FOX13 Memphis. That report also noted that a man was arrested on a reckless-driving charge tied to activity near the scene but was not charged in the shooting itself. Police told FOX13 they had no further information to release as the two-year mark passed.
Memphis investigators have repeatedly said they are working with federal partners, including the FBI, ATF and U.S. Marshals, and at one point signaled they would pursue federal charges if evidence supported it, Interim Chief C.J. Davis told Action News 5. Detectives say community-shot video has been central to the probe, but witnesses' reluctance to identify shooters has slowed progress. The department says authorities are still reviewing footage and tips submitted by residents.
Community Reaction And Long-running Strain
Neighborhood leaders and city officials pushed for answers after the shooting, holding a town hall meeting where Mayor Paul Young and police talked publicly about public safety and resource gaps. For many residents, the mass shooting renewed calls for more safe spaces and consistent enforcement to prevent unsanctioned gatherings that can turn violent. Community groups say two years of unanswered questions have worn down trust in authorities and intensified demands for accountability.
Legal Implications
Without arrests, prosecutors cannot file homicide charges, and Memphis officials have said they will push for federal charges if the evidence supports it, a step authorities discussed openly in April 2024. Interim Chief C.J. Davis told Action News 5 that federal partners were assisting and that some of the submitted videos are disturbing enough to draw federal attention. The district attorney's office did not announce any new filings tied to the anniversary.
Anyone with video or information is asked to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH (2274); tips can be made anonymously and may be eligible for reward money, the U.S. Marshals Service and local police have said. The department is urging the public to upload any footage or call CrimeStoppers as detectives continue to comb through leads two years after the shooting. For now, investigators say the case remains open, and they are still asking for the community's help to close it.
