Crime
Suspect Jayden Dandridge in Fatal Downtown Memphis Shooting Found Dead in Houston, Second Suspect Still at Large
MEMPHIS, TN – One of the suspects wanted in connection with a deadly downtown Memphis shooting that injured Houston rapper Sauce Walka has been found dead in Houston, authorities confirmed.
The Memphis Police Department announced Monday that 21-year-old Jayden Dandridge, who was facing charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder, was discovered deceased.
Details regarding the circumstances of his death have not yet been released.
Dandridge was one of two suspects identified in the March 22 shooting outside the Westin Hotel on Lt. George W. Lee Avenue near the FedEx Forum.
Officers responded to the scene around 2:42 p.m. and discovered two men suffering from gunshot wounds.
One victim, 27-year-old Leteroian Hunt, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The second victim, Houston rapper Sauce Walka, whose real name is Albert Walker Mondane, 34, sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh and survived.
Following the shooting, Memphis police released surveillance footage and issued a warrant for Dandridge’s arrest.
With his death confirmed, authorities are now focused on locating the second suspect, 22-year-old Kevin Brown.
Brown is wanted on multiple charges, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, and theft of property valued between $10,000 and $60,000.
Law enforcement urges anyone with information regarding Brown’s whereabouts to contact Memphis Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH or submit an anonymous tip.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.