Memphis Community on Edge After Body Found Near Burned Home

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The community in South Memphis is reeling after the discovery of a body near a burned-out house, which has left many questions unanswered. This unsettling finding came as authorities were out searching for a local man who had been reported missing after a fire consumed his home earlier this week.

On Thursday night, Memphis Police revealed that human remains were found in a wooded area close to the intersection of Pecan Circle and Airways Boulevard. The discovery sparked immediate concern, especially as family members awaited news about 72-year-old Edwin “Uncle Mike” Irby, who has not been seen since his home went up in flames around 3:30 AM on Wednesday.

Shuntrell Irby, Edwin’s son, expressed his anxiety over his father’s disappearance. “His phone is off. I’ve been calling his phone number ever since I found out, just straight to voice mail,” he stated, detailing his ongoing struggle to locate his father. The family’s relief came quickly when they learned the body was not that of Edwin, but they still faced a whirlwind of emotions as they dealt with the grim discovery.

“This right here is weird. Never, nothing like this has happened,” Shuntrell said while making a public appeal for information about his father. “We’re still hoping and praying that he’s alive and well and he’s somewhere safe.”

Meanwhile, the police reported that the fire at Edwin’s home was deemed accidental, caused by an unattended generator. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported from that incident, but it remained unclear if Edwin was actually inside when the blaze erupted.

Daphne Green, Edwin’s niece, was on the scene when the body was found. “So we were like OMG at first, but then we found out the body had been there for a while, so it wasn’t him,” she noted, echoing the mixed feelings of relief and sadness that both she and her family experienced.

Authorities confirmed that the found remains are unrelated to Edwin Irby’s case. The identity of the deceased person has not been established, nor has the cause of death been confirmed. Out of respect for both families involved, police expressed their hopes for clarity and peace.

Shuntrell expressed both empathy and sorrow: “I was relieved but also sad that another life was taken. Senseless acts of violence and everything. We just hope and pray that that family gets their peace of mind as well, we get our peace of mind as well.”

The police urge anyone with information about either matter to reach out to Crimestoppers at 528-CASH. The community is rallying together, sharing information, and hoping for answers as they navigate through this troubling incident that has unfolded in their neighborhood.

This situation has left many in Memphis grappling with the harsh realities of loss and uncertainty, reminding everyone of the importance of community support during such despairing times. As searches continue and families seek clarity, the area remains on high alert, awaiting further developments.

The search for Edwin Irby continues, with his family clinging to hope that they will find him safe and sound. In moments like these, the power of community, prayers, and support make a world of difference, and many locals are coming together to provide comfort in this hour of need.

As updates emerge, the Memphis community remains vigilant and supportive of both families affected by this tragedy. Everyone is looking forward to answers that might finally bring peace to a tumultuous week.