Memphis Man Charged with Attempted Murder Following Shooting Incident
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In a shocking turn of events, a 26-year-old man is facing serious charges after police say he fired shots into a car filled with individuals, including a pregnant woman, in a South Memphis apartment complex last August. The accused, identified as Marquez Johnson, has been charged with multiple offenses, including four counts of criminal attempt second-degree murder and reckless endangerment.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred on August 31 at an apartment complex located at 888 Kerr Avenue. However, the victims were found in a vehicle at a nearby fire station on 2034 South Lauderdale Street. Police reported that the victims realized they had been shot while on their way to the fire station. To ensure everyone’s safety, one of the victims, who was driving, immediately took them there without delay.
According to police reports, three of the victims were struck by gunfire and were taken to the hospital, where they were treated for non-critical injuries. The fourth victim, who was unharmed but pregnant, also chose to go to the hospital for precautionary reasons.
How It All Started
In a statement to the police, the victim who was driving shared the story of how everything escalated. She had been called to pick up one of the victims due to a dispute involving some residents from the apartment complex. After arriving with the other victims, tensions rose, and an argument broke out among a large group of people.
As the situation heated up, a man known to the victims as “J Blood” allegedly engaged in a physical altercation with one of the passengers in their vehicle. Once the fight concluded, and the group got back into their car, another man known as “Bug Money”—who police later identified as Marquez Johnson—began firing shots at them from across the street.
Investigation Leads to Arrest
Following the shooting, police quickly began their investigation. They searched the police database and identified Johnson as a known associate of the victims. Officers also reviewed surveillance video that clearly captured him firing shots in the direction of the parked vehicle, with several innocent bystanders in the line of fire.
When police presented a six-person photo lineup to the victims, the driver was able to positively identify Johnson as the shooter. This evidence was critical in moving forward with charges against him.
Legal Consequences and Bond Details
Currently, Marquez Johnson remains in custody, held on a hefty bond amount of $1,000,000. He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, where he will face the charges that could significantly alter the course of his life.
This isn’t Johnson’s first run-in with the law. Back in 2019, he was arrested and convicted for possessing a controlled substance with the intent to manufacture, deliver, or sell marijuana. He faced similar charges as recently as April of this year, further highlighting a troubling pattern of behavior.
As this case unfolds, many in the Memphis community are understandably shaken. Incidents of gun violence can leave lasting impacts, especially when innocent individuals are caught in the crossfire. It raises a crucial conversation about safety in neighborhoods and the need for continued efforts to curb violence.
Stay tuned as we bring you more updates on this developing story and its implications for the Memphis community.
