Police cordoned off part of Jesse Turner Park in South Memphis on Monday afternoon after officers converged on the playground area and the park's outdoor basketball courts. On-scene crews reported crime-scene tape wrapped around the area and evidence markers scattered near several picnic tables as officers worked the scene.
According to Action News 5, officers were operating in the 3100 block of South Bellevue Boulevard near South Parkway East. The station reported it was not yet clear what police were investigating or whether anyone had been injured, and said its crews had reached out to the Memphis Police Department for comment.
About Jesse Turner Park
Jesse Turner Park is a South Memphis green space that features a playground, lighted ballfields, an outdoor basketball court and a pavilion. Memphis Parks lists the park at 1310 S. Bellevue Blvd and notes it is managed as part of the city's parks system.
Past incidents at the site
The park has been the scene of violence before. In May 2020, police investigated a deadly shooting there that left one person dead and another injured, according to earlier reporting.
Action News 5's archive shows that the case was a significant homicide investigation at the park.
How to share information
Anyone with information about Monday's incident can contact the Memphis Police Department's non-emergency line at 901-545-2677 (COPS), as noted on the department's public site. Tips may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH (2274), according to the Crime Stoppers of Memphis & Shelby County site.
Hoodline will continue to monitor the situation and update this post when the Memphis Police Department releases more information. If you were at the park, consider reaching out to investigators with any tips.
