Memphis Family Frustrated Over Late Brother’s Vehicle Mishap
In the bustling city of Memphis, a heartbreaking story has emerged as the family of a man murdered just a few months ago navigates through loss and unexpected complications. The tragic aftermath of the death of Jerome Hall, Jr. has taken a surprising turn as his family struggles to reclaim his beloved truck, a 2013 Tahoe, that was lost due to an unfortunate series of events.
A Shocking Tragedy
August 22nd marked a dark day for the Hall family when Jerome Hall, Jr. was brutally shot at a gas station on Shelby Drive. According to his sister, Lara Hall, the entire family is still reeling from the shock. “My brother had just dropped us off, and then 30 minutes later, I get this phone call like ‘Lisa, you need to get up here now. Jerome just got shot in the head,’” she recounted, her voice heavy with emotion.
The chaos of that day unfolded as Jerome made a routine stop for gas, only to find himself caught in the crossfire of two cars shooting at each other. It was a random act of violence that robbed his family of a loved one, and his best friend, Mohamed Diablo, who had known him since he first arrived in the United States at age 14, expressed his disbelief, saying, “We were brothers, we were always together.”
The Search for Jerome’s Truck
Even as the family works through their grief, a logistical nightmare is unfolding regarding Jerome’s cherished truck. After the police took possession of the vehicle for their investigation, Lara attempted to reclaim it, only to discover it had already been returned to the man who had lost it to repossession.
“I was shocked when I found out they released the truck to the previous owner,” Lara exclaimed. “We have the title. It’s my brother’s truck, you know? My brother died, and that’s all we have left of him.”
The Legal Loophole
The situation grows even more complicated. The Tahoe was repossessed on June 24th from a man in Lavergne, Tennessee. Although Jerome bought the truck at an auction in early July and received the official title shortly before his death, he never had the chance to register it in his name before that fateful day.
According to the Memphis Police Department, they released the vehicle to the registered owner, emphasizing that the last person who registered the car holds the legal title. “Well, you can’t register it until you have the title,” Lara argued, frustrated by the circumstances. “Sadly, my brother was killed before he could get it registered. What are we supposed to do? Just let this car go back to someone who didn’t pay for it?”
Personal Items Still Missing
As if the stolen truck wasn’t enough of a blow, the family is also upset that they can’t retrieve Jerome’s personal belongings that were inside the vehicle. Lara is left wondering how the police expect them to move forward. “We don’t even have access to his things. That feels like another layer of loss.”
Seeking Justice
In the wake of this injustice, the family has been told this will now be a civil matter, which means they’ll have to navigate the court system to reclaim their ownership of the Tahoe. Lara expressed her frustration, saying that finding an attorney willing to take on their case has been nearly impossible. “It’s like we’re facing a double whammy here—grieving and fighting for what’s rightfully ours,” she said.
As of now, the Hall family is left grappling with the emotional toll of losing Jerome and the additional stress of reclaiming his truck. In a city filled with stories of resilience, the Hall family’s fight for justice is just beginning.
