MEMPHIS, TN – A neighborhood block party turned deadly in Memphis City’s Orange Mound Park this weekend when nine individuals were shot, two of whom succumbed to their injuries. Officers from the Memphis Police Department were dispatched to the park on Saturday evening following reports of the shooting.
The shooting victims were found when the authorities arrived, with two men pronounced dead at the scene, as mentioned by Police Chief Cerelyn Davis during a press conference. The seven survivors were rushed to different nearby health centers, with one initially being in critical condition but later showing signs of improvement.
On Sunday, police confirmed that a ninth victim had been discovered, though their condition was not considered critical. The event, referred to as a block party by Chief Davis, had hosted between two to three hundred attendees and did not appear to have been authorized by the city.
The authorities suspect two individuals in the firing of weapons leading to the shooting, with no immediate arrests made. As part of the ongoing investigation, the police are making use of video footage. The bounty for information aiding in the arrest of those involved has been increased to $15,000.
The Mayor of Memphis, Paul Young, commented on the chaotic incident, expressing his sorrow over the reckless act and calling for an end to such violence. The initial count of victims was reported as sixteen by the Memphis police, but the count was revised due to multiple reports of multiple victims.