Crime
Police Continue Search for Suspect in Fatal Shooting at Tom Lee Park in Downtown Memphis
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis Police are actively investigating a deadly shooting that occurred Sunday at Tom Lee Park, which left a teenager dead and prompted a large-scale law enforcement response.
According to authorities, the shooting took place during the afternoon hours while hundreds of people were gathered at the park for the Foodees Food and Culture Festival.
Officers responded to the scene and found a teenage victim suffering from gunshot wounds.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have not yet released the victim’s exact age or identity, pending notification of next of kin.
Investigators have released a limited suspect description, stating the individual is believed to be a young male dressed entirely in black, including a ski mask, at the time of the shooting.
Surveillance footage from the area is currently under review, as the park and surrounding downtown areas are equipped with multiple cameras.
David Wayne Brown, CEO of CrimeStoppers of Memphis and Shelby County, urged community members to come forward with any information—no matter how small—reiterating that all tips remain strictly anonymous.
“We know people are often afraid to speak out, worried that their identity might be revealed. But CrimeStoppers guarantees anonymity,” said Brown. “Even the smallest detail—something like the color of clothing—can help detectives piece together what happened and identify the suspect.”
Authorities are encouraging anyone who was in the area at the time of the shooting, or who may have seen anything suspicious, to contact CrimeStoppers at (901) 528-CASH. Investigators believe public assistance could be critical in solving this case.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not confirmed whether the shooting was targeted or random.
Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
DALLAS, Texas – Surveillance video captures the moment 17-year-old Tracy Haynes entered a classroom, then returned to the hallway where he opened fire on a group of students before fleeing the scene.
Four students were injured, including three with gunshot wounds, after a shooting occurred Tuesday afternoon at Wilmer-Hutchins High School in southern Dallas.
The incident marks the second shooting on the same campus in just over a year.
Dallas Independent School District (DISD) officials said the shooting was reported at approximately 1:00 p.m., prompting an immediate and large-scale emergency response.
Students were seen evacuating the main school building as police worked to secure the scene and search for the suspect.
According to Dallas Fire-Rescue, four students — ranging in age from 15 to 18 years old — were transported to area hospitals.
Three of the students sustained gunshot wounds, while a fourth suffered a musculoskeletal injury to the lower body.
Their injuries were described as ranging from serious to non-life-threatening.
“This is the unthinkable — and sadly, it’s becoming all too familiar,” said DISD Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Elizalde during a news conference Tuesday afternoon.
“No student, teacher, or parent should have to fear violence in a place meant for learning.”
The suspected gunman was identified shortly after the incident, and by 9:32 p.m., 17-year-old Tracy Haynes was taken into custody and booked into the Dallas County Jail.
He is charged with aggravated assault – mass shooting, and his bail was set at $600,000.
It is unclear at this time whether Haynes has obtained legal representation.
Officials confirmed the firearm used in the shooting did not enter the building during the school’s primary intake period, when students are screened through metal detectors and subject to clear backpack policies.
However, authorities declined to say how the weapon entered the premises, or what events led to the shooting inside the school.
“We can confirm that this was not a failure of our staff, of our protocols, or the equipment in place,” said Assistant Chief Christina Smith with the DISD Police Department. “But this is still a very fluid and ongoing investigation.”
More than 20 law enforcement units responded to the shooting, including Dallas ISD Police, the Dallas Police Department, and federal partners from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Texas Governor Greg Abbott was briefed on the situation and offered state resources to assist in the aftermath.
In response to the incident, district leaders announced that classes would be canceled for the remainder of the week, and counseling services would be made available to all students and staff affected by the shooting.
A reunification site was quickly established at Eagles Stadium, where parents were asked to bring photo identification to retrieve their children.
This incident comes almost exactly one year after a student was shot inside a classroom at Wilmer-Hutchins High School, further heightening concerns over school safety in the district.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information related to the incident to come forward as the investigation continues.