Crime
Two Dead, One Critically Injured in Domestic Violence-Related Shooting on Cleoford Avenue
The Memphis Police Department is investigating a tragic shooting that claimed the lives of two individuals and left a third in critical condition on Cleoford Avenue in the Frayser neighborhood.
At approximately 8:03 p.m., officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 1700 block of Cleoford Avenue.
Upon arrival, they discovered three victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Two of the victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
The third victim was transported to Regional One Health in critical condition.
The deceased individuals have been identified as Michael Ellington Jr. and a woman named Jasmine.
Authorities have confirmed that the incident is domestic violence-related, and the suspect has been identified.
However, further details regarding the suspectโs identity or apprehension have not been released at this time.
In an official statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Memphis Police officials echoed a recent sentiment expressed by Mayor Paul Young, stating, โAs Mayor [Paul] Young said just last week, enough is enough. We must stand together in the face of tragedy. If you witnessed anything or live in this area and have cameras โ please, we need your help. Your info could be the key to helping us find answers.โ
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information or surveillance footage from the area is strongly encouraged to contact the Memphis Police Department.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subjectโs vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorneyโs Office.