MEMPHIS, TN – A violent mass shooting erupted in South Memphis on Wednesday afternoon, leaving two people dead and three others critically injured following an intense exchange of gunfire inside a residence near LeMoyne-Owen College. Law enforcement officials are actively investigating the tragic event, which took place just yards away from the college campus and near a local daycare and tutoring facility, raising safety concerns for the surrounding community.

Incident Overview

The Memphis Police Department (MPD) received multiple distress calls around 3:45 p.m. on January 29, 2025, reporting gunfire at a residence on College Park Drive. Responding officers arrived to find a chaotic scene, with multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds.

Authorities confirmed that one victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while another succumbed to their injuries after being transported to Regional One Health. Three additional victims were rushed to local hospitals in critical condition.

One of the deceased victims has been identified as 26-year-old Leon Parker, a longtime South Memphis resident. The identity of the second deceased individual has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin. The three injured victims remain hospitalized, and their conditions are being closely monitored by medical personnel.

Investigation and Police Response

MPD officials, including Chief C.J. Davis and other top-ranking officers, quickly mobilized in response to the incident. Multiple squad cars, ambulances, fire trucks, and crime scene vans flooded the area, and police cordoned off the home and its surrounding perimeter for several hours to gather evidence and interview witnesses.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the shooting stemmed from an altercation inside the residence that rapidly escalated into violence.

“There was some type of disturbance inside the residence that led to an exchange of gunfire,” said MPD spokesperson Lt. Louis Brownlee. “At this time, we are working to piece together the sequence of events that led to this tragic outcome.”

Authorities have confirmed that all individuals involved in the shooting have been identified. However, it remains unclear who fired the first shots or whether any of the surviving victims will face criminal charges. Law enforcement officials are working to determine the exact motive behind the shooting and whether other individuals may have been involved.

Impact on LeMoyne-Owen College and Surrounding Community

Shortly after the shooting, LeMoyne-Owen College issued a statement clarifying that the incident did not involve any students, faculty, or staff.

“LeMoyne-Owen College remains fully operational following reports of an off-campus incident near 948 College Park Drive. The incident did not involve or impact LeMoyne-Owen College students, faculty, or staff, and there are no lockdowns or alerts in place at this time,” the college’s statement read.

Dr. Dunn-Ross, Chief Operating Officer of LeMoyne-Owen College, emphasized the institution’s commitment to safety: “The safety and well-being of our campus community is always our top priority. We are aware of the situation and in communication with local authorities. At this time, there is no threat to our campus, and operations will continue as normal.”

Eyewitness Accounts and Community Reactions

Residents of College Park Drive described hearing multiple gunshots followed by screams and chaos. One witness, 34-year-old Angela Simmons, who lives just a few houses down from the crime scene, recalled the terrifying moments.

“I was in my kitchen cooking when I heard at least ten gunshots back-to-back,” Simmons said. “Then I heard people running and screaming. It was absolutely horrifying. I immediately grabbed my kids and told them to stay inside.”

Another neighbor, Maurice Caldwell, expressed his concern over the rising gun violence in the area.

“This community has seen too much violence. It’s heartbreaking,” said Caldwell. “We need more resources, more conflict resolution programs—something to stop this from happening again.”

Gun Violence in Memphis: A Growing Concern

The tragic shooting near LeMoyne-Owen College is part of a larger pattern of gun violence plaguing Memphis. According to data from the MPD, the city has experienced a significant rise in violent crimes over the past year, with gun-related homicides and aggravated assaults increasing at an alarming rate.

Mayor Paul Young addressed the ongoing issue during a press conference following the shooting, reiterating the city’s commitment to reducing gun violence.

“We cannot and will not accept this level of violence in our city,” Mayor Young said. “Our police department is working tirelessly to address violent crime, but this is a community effort. We need everyone—families, educators, religious leaders—to step up and be part of the solution.”

Ongoing Investigation and Call for Information

As of now, MPD has not provided further details on the cause of the altercation or any potential arrests. Investigators are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

“This is an active and ongoing investigation,” Lt. Brownlee reiterated. “If anyone has any information—no matter how small—please reach out to MPD or Crime Stoppers. Your help could be crucial in ensuring justice for the victims and their families.”

Authorities encourage individuals with relevant information to contact Crime Stoppers at (901) 528-CASH. Tips can be provided anonymously, and rewards may be available for information leading to an arrest.

Conclusion

The tragic shooting near LeMoyne-Owen College has left the South Memphis community reeling. While law enforcement officials continue their investigation, the families of the victims, as well as the broader Memphis community, are left grappling with the devastating effects of yet another senseless act of gun violence.

With safety concerns growing and calls for justice mounting, the city of Memphis faces a crucial moment—one that will require collective action from law enforcement, community leaders, and citizens alike to prevent future tragedies and ensure a safer future for all.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are expected to release further details in the coming days. The community remains on high alert, hoping for answers and justice in the wake of this heartbreaking event.