9 shot, 2 killed at Orange Mound Park in Memphis
UPDATE, April 22: Memphis Police say: 17-year-old male (deceased), 22-year-old male (deceased), 19-year-old male, 21-year-old male, 23-year-old male, 29-year-old male, 16-year-old female, 20-year-old female, and 20-year-old female.
**
UPDATE: Officers have located an additional shooting victim who is currently in non-critical condition.
MPD has confirmed that all of the hospitalized victims are in stable condition.
On Sunday, the City of Memphis and Mayor Paul Young issued the following statement about the shooting:
This morning, we are one community united by grief. We are all Orange Mound this morning. There are no words that can adequately express the pain we are all feeling over this most recent act of senseless violence – where guns were brazenly brought to a park filled with young people, familie, and children. And there are no words to describe the frustration of having to use the qualifier “most recent” when speaking of the violence in our community. This must stop. The violence must end. For the future of our city, we have to solve the problem together.”
Mayor Paul A. Young, City of Memphis
In hopes of receiving more information about the shooting, the reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible has been increased to $15,000.
*********
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Police say eight people were shot during a block party at Orange Mound Park Saturday evening.
Memphis Police responded to the park on Carnes Avenue near Mound Street at 7:19 p.m.
Police say officers found five victims on the scene. Two were pronounced dead, while three others reportedly went to nearby hospitals in critical condition.
According to police, other victims arrived at local hospitals by private vehicles. Memphis Police say one victim remains in critical condition and one victim has been released from the hospital.
Memphis Police originally reported that 16 people were shot but later stated that there were a total of eight victims. Police believe the error occurred because some victims were reported to investigators several times.
Interim Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis said between 200-300 people were attending a block party at the park. Davis, who was joined by Memphis Mayor Paul Young, said the party was happening without a permit.
Davis says police are working to find the suspects involved. She says police know of at least two suspects who opened fire during the block party.
She asked that anyone with video of the shooting send the video to Memphis Police. Anyone with information is urged to call CrimeStoppers at (901) 528-CASH.