A former security guard has been sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated assault in a South Memphis nightclub shooting that left a woman critically wounded. The gunfire erupted outside Black Onyx Gentlemen's Club on South Third Street on April 11, 2025. The woman survived after being rushed to the hospital in critical condition, and the guilty plea effectively closes the criminal case in Shelby County.
Sentencing and plea
According to Action News 5, the defendant, Desmond Humphrey, was working as a security guard at the club when an altercation unfolded outside. Humphrey pleaded guilty on Wednesday to one count of aggravated assault and was sentenced to six years in prison.
Earlier court trouble
As previously reported, he had been ordered to serve jail time after a probation hearing in July 2025, with the April shooting adding fresh charges to a record that already included prior convictions. That history was referenced during this week's plea and sentencing.
Victim and aftermath
Action News 5 reports that investigators say Humphrey slapped the woman before shooting her multiple times. She survived after being transported to the hospital in critical condition. The outlet notes that there was no immediate comment from prosecutors or the victim's family following the sentencing.
