Memphis Woman Faces Serious Charges After Mall Parking Lot Shooting
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In a shocking and frightening incident that unfolded at the Oak Court Mall, a woman is now facing attempted murder charges after authorities allege she fired multiple shots at a family following an argument. This unsettling event took place over the weekend and has left the local community alarmed.
The Incident
According to the Memphis Police, things turned chaotic on Sunday as a family was leaving the mall. The male victim reported that he was driving his black 2019 Dodge Durango with two passengers—a woman in the front seat and his young daughter in the back—when they encountered a serious problem. As they exited the parking lot and made a turn onto Oak Court Drive, a woman in a white GMC Yukon XL allegedly opened fire on them.
As the shocking situation unfolded, the man told officers that he heard multiple shots ring out. Fortunately, the family’s vehicle was only struck once, hitting the driver’s side fuel door. The alleged shooter, who was later identified as 38-year-old Denise Norris, reportedly sped away from the scene heading south on Oak Court Drive.
What Sparked the Shooting?
It turns out that this wasn’t just a random act of violence. Investigations revealed that before the shots were fired, the two parties had a verbal altercation in the mall’s south parking lot. According to the victim, Norris had been following them out of the lot, and the argument quickly escalated, leading to the dangerous shooting.
Getting to the Bottom of It
After the incident, police wasted no time getting to the bottom of things. They reviewed surveillance footage, which clearly showed the white GMC Yukon XL speeding away from the scene. A quick check of the vehicle’s tags showed it was registered to none other than Denise Norris herself.
On Tuesday, law enforcement officials decided to follow up with the male victim, who was shaken but cooperative. He noted that he and the others involved had indeed exchanged words with Norris just moments before the gunfire erupted. Describing Norris, he provided a physical description indicating she was around 5’9″ tall with a medium build.
Identifying the Suspect
In an effort to corroborate the victim’s account, investigators presented a six-person photo lineup to both the male victim and a female witness. The pair confidently identified Norris as the shooter behind the wheel of the GMC Yukon XL. This critical piece of info allowed police to make the arrest.
Facing the Consequences
Now, Denise Norris sits behind bars, facing serious charges. She is being held on a $30,000 bond and is set to appear in court this coming Monday. The attempted second-degree murder charge has drawn significant attention, and understandably so. Such reckless actions, especially in a family-friendly setting like a mall, raise concerns about safety in the community.
Community Reaction
The incident has sparked conversations about safety in public places and the importance of conflict resolution. Many residents are voicing their worries about how easily a disagreement can turn violent, especially in situations involving firearms.
As Memphis continues to process this alarming event, we can only hope for a swift resolution and, more importantly, that incidents like this become less frequent in our neighborhoods. Stay safe out there, everyone!
