What was supposed to be a routine meet-up to sell a 2017 Dodge Charger in Frayser ended in gunfire, leaving one man dead and another critically wounded. Memphis police say a local man is now in custody, arrested Thursday and charged with first-degree murder in the perpetration of a robbery and several related felonies.
Arrest and charges
According to Action News 5, Memphis police arrested Carlos Burnom and charged him with first-degree murder in the perpetration of a robbery, attempted first-degree murder in the perpetration of a robbery, aggravated robbery, and employing a weapon during the commission of a dangerous felony. The outlet reports Burnom is being held on a $500 bond for an unrelated incident, and that a bond has not been set in this murder case. His next court appearance is scheduled for Friday.
The Feb. 18 shooting in Frayser
Memphis police responded around 2 a.m. on Feb. 18 to a shooting report off Dabbs Avenue near Orland and Cleoford streets, where officers found two men who had been shot. One victim was rushed to Regional One in critical condition. The incident was originally reported as pre-dawn gunfire on Dabbs Avenue, which noted investigators were on scene and no suspect information was available at the time.
What police say tied a suspect to the case
Investigators, following leads from the scene, executed a search warrant at a home on Gowan Drive and Corning Avenue and found a black 2017 Dodge Charger with a spent shell casing on the trunk, according to Action News 5. Officers also say a review of a victim's phone led them to a FaceTime call between Burnom and one of the victims minutes before the shooting. The surviving victim told police he and the slain man had gone to meet acquaintances to sell the Charger. Action News 5 reports the man killed in the shooting was identified as Carreon Hearns, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Legal note
Burnom has been formally charged. Under Tennessee law, a killing "committed in the perpetration of" a robbery is classified as first-degree murder and can carry life imprisonment or, in some cases, the death penalty. The statute's text and penalties are outlined in Tennessee Code §39-13-202, per Justia. As always, those charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Anyone with information about the Feb. 18 shooting is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Memphis and Shelby County at 901-528-CASH (2274), according to the Crime Stoppers tip line. Investigators ask that anyone with video or tips call the Memphis Police Department's homicide unit or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
