MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Lisa Nelson is missing her cousin, Hosea Threlkeld, who was  murdered back in August in the parking lot of Club Hughes in North Memphis.

“I go by his graveside often, and I tell him how much I love him,” Nelson said.

Family members say Threlkeld was there to buy food. Moments later, someone started shooting.

“I heard about 15 shots. I thought someone was shooting up in the air,” recalled Roy Hughes, owner of Club Hughes.

One of the bullets hit Threlkeld, killing him.

“We got a phone call to look at the news, someone was watching the news and saw his truck in front of the nightclub,” Nelson said. That's how she found out about her cousin's death, she said.

Investigators say Threlkeld may have known his shooter, and robbery may have been the motive. But his family is left with more questions than answers.

“I have to help them and it's hard for me,” Nelson said. “I have to take time to be by myself to deal with it, because he had a young son that's 13 years old, that's going to have to grow up without a father.

Nelson is holding on to her faith that they will get justice for Hosea.

“Nobody deserves to be taken away like this,” she said. “Unfortunately people feel like you are hurting the person, but you are hurting the family.”

If you know who killed Hosea Threlkeld, call Crime Stoppers at (901) 528-CASH. All calls are confidential.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The lights on the Hernando DeSoto bridge in downtown Memphis will glow red, white and black Wednesday evening in honor of the 293 lives lost to violence this year.

Shelby County Dist. Atty. Gen. Amy Weirich delivered remarks on behalf of victims and their loved ones at 5 p.m.

"We hope this special display of lights will bring a small bit of peace to all of the families mourning the loss of their loved ones," Weirich said.

The bridge colors were chosen based on the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims, which is on Sept. 25 each year.

The lights will alternate between the colors and a light show every few minutes until 10:30 p.m. After that, the lights will remain static until sunrise.

Activist Stevie Moore says he personally understands the pain all of the families are going through but says we must do more than just remember if we ever want to see the killings come to an end.

"We blame law enforcement. We blame the political leaders but the community got to start back policing their own communities," Moore said.

Moore says he has good working relationships with several law enforcement agencies in shelby county as well as the district attorney's office. He says in order to reduce crime, there must be better relationships between the community and law enforcement.

"Our young black men fear the police. They don't like them. As me being an ex-convict I understand," Moore said.

With 2020 being labeled as the most dangerous year for Memphians, Moore says the community must be willing to speak up and report criminal behaviour before the trigger is pulled.

Moore's hosted countless events to bring awareness to gun violence but says it's time for a concrete plan to end it.

"At the end of the day, we walk. We come in front of the cameras. We say our little things and then we go home. Next morning another child is dead," Moore said.

Now many of these crimes remain unsolved. So as always you are encouraged to contact crimestoppers or you can call moore's tip line at 901-417-7361

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Memphis Police say 302 people in the city have been violently killed this year, 36 of them children.

That includes 8-year-old Jordyn Washington, who was killed by a stray bullet nearly two weeks ago. The accused gunman, 43-year-old Cedric Conley, is still on the run.

Jordyn was laid to rest at Northridge Woodhaven Cemetery. Washington's mother and father said Saturday they just want justice for their child.

They say they don’t have hate in their hearts for the suspect -- they just want him to come forward.

"I'm not going to be able to see her walk down the aisle,” said Jordan’s mother, Davisha Gonzalez. “I'm not going to be able to take her to school. I'm not going to be able to see her get married. Nothing like that. You took that all away from us."

Jordyn was carried away by horse and carriage, with family saying their final goodbyes. 

"She will always be right here with us, but it's a big chunk missing," grandmother Sammie Washington said.

Jordyn was shot and killed Nov. 22 while visiting her grandmother at the Highland Chateau apartment complex in Raleigh.

Memphis Police say Conley is the accused gunman but Jordyn was not his intended target.

“I know you didn't mean to kill Jordyn,” Gonzalez said. “I know that but the way you were shooting 26 times, you knew that you were going to do something to kill somebody."

Jordyn's mother and father say they want the gunman to know who he killed.

"Teachers loved her. Everybody loved her,” father Jasen washington said. “You just took our baby."

Her mother said Jordyn was her only child. Family says she was destined for greatness -- always knowing one day she would be famous. She even started her own YouTube page.

“Jordyn was such a special kid that she lit up everywhere," said her grandfather, Jeffrey Forehand.

Those dreams and aspirations have now been violently and tragically ripped away, and family members say they need justice in order to get some form of closure.

“This is not fair for Jordyn. She can't live her life or nothing over what you did," Gonzales said. 

"I really feel like you're a coward because you're running away. You really took someone's life away."

If you have any information that could lead to Conley's arrest, you are encouraged to call Crimestoppers at 528-CASH.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Police and family are still searching for answers in the murder of a 13-year-old who was just visiting the Bluff City more than a year ago.

Jamarr Johnson, the victim's uncle, broke down what happened that tragic day when his nephew Demont’e Johnson was shot as he walked home from a corner store in North Memphis.

“This has wrecked my life completely, my whole life and family's life,” Johnson said. “It's torn my heart apart.”

He said someone walked up to his nephew, fired one shot to the chest, and left him laying there in the middle of the street in a puddle of blood.

Johnson says Demont'e moved to Jackson, Tennessee to get away from the big-city crime, and was only in town visiting his family when someone took his life.

“Demont'e was a well mannered child, he stayed to himself,” Johnson said. “He loved video games, he loved to play, he was very active.”

Johnson says it's the sensless gun violence that took his nephew's life that now has him worried about his own safety.

“Honestly, I'm almost to the point that I fear stopping at a red light or stop sign, just because I'm fearing I'm going to be shot while I'm sitting there,” he said.

Johnson says when the shooter took Demont'e’s life, they destoyed his sister's life too.

“My sister lives every day mourning, hurting about her son, she can't function in the everyday life, because she is missing her child and wondering when they are going to capture the person who done this.” he said.

Demont'e's family is convinced someone knows who killed this young teenager just four days before his birthday. 

“Man up, Woman up, turn yourself in,” Johnson said. “You've  taken a life, you need to pay for your actions.”

If you know who killed Demont'e Johnson, you are urged to call Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH. Your tip could help put a dangerous criminal behind bars and one thousand dollars cash in your pocket. All calls are confidential.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The man Memphis Police say shot and killed an 8-year-old girl has finally been captured.

Cedric Conley was picked up in New Orleans and is now charged with first-degree murder for the death of Jordyn Washington. Jordyn's grandmother and aunt said they have a little bit of relief knowing Conley is behind bars.

But they say there's still a void in their hearts.

"I want an apology. I want an apology from you for my whole family because you have hurt us deeply," said Ivy Houston, Jordyn's Aunt.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says Cedric Conley was arrested Tuesday in New Orleans.

Memphis Police say Conley fired shots into the Highland Chateau Apartment in Raleigh, where Jordyn Washington was staying with her grandmother, killing the little girl.

Investigators say Jordyn was not his target.

Jordyn's grandmother says their family feels a little relief knowing Conley is off the streets but says it's still hard knowing an eight year old is gone.

"The mom has mixed feelings because she said it's not going to bring her baby back. But like I told her, this person will not be able to hurt or bring this kind of grief to anybody's family again," Washington said.

Jordyn is among the 36 children who have been violently killed in Memphis this year.

Her family says they send their prayers to every family who's been affected by violence and encourages them to keep pushing for justice.

"You have taken our little sunshine away from us and she did not deserve this," Houston said. "I will be at every court hearing. Everyone one. I want him to know our face. I want our faces imbedded in his brain."

Memphis Police say they are still waiting for Conley to be extradited back to Memphis.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Two men wanted on murder charges in a Louisiana killing were captured in Memphis this week.

U.S. Marshals said Abd Del Ghader Sylla was shot and killed Nov. 30 during a gas station robbery in Kenner, Louisiana.

A warrant was issued a few days later for the arrest of Lamonte Loggins, and investigators tracked him to a house in the 800 block of Kippley in Memphis. Loggins was taken into custody around midnight Tuesday the marshals service said.

A second suspect, Eric Rodgers, also was arrested as a fugitive on homicide charges out of Kenner, Louisiana, according to Shelby County court records. Those records show Rodgers was booked Wednesday.

According to a nola.com article, the two are brothers who moved from Tennessee to Louisiana two years ago.

Loggins faces charges of first-degree murder and armed robbery. Marshals say he is awaiting extradition to Louisiana.

Rodgers faces a second-degree murder charge, according to nola.com. Records show he has a court date Friday.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Two men were arrested in connection with an East Memphis shooting that left a man and woman dead and their son critically injured last month.

Police said the shooting happened after the two men allegedly offered the victims $10,000 to not testify in a June 2020 shooting case in which the son had been shot in the head. A man named Kevin Gomez was charged with attempted second-degree murder in that case.

Jaja Mani is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder and coercion of a witness. A second man, Troy Clay, is charged with coercion of a witness.

Police said Mani and Clay went to the family's home on Patterson on Nov. 2, offering them money to not show up to court. They were driving a Dodge Journey.

On Nov. 11, police say Mani can be seen on surveillance video walking up to the door of the home and leaving an envelope. The envelope allegedly contained $1,000, a lawyer's business card and a note that read, "Contact this let them know you were mistaken and can't be responsible for a innocent person going to jail," according to records.

The next day, police said a yellow Mini Cooper driven by a man matching Mani's description was seen driving past the house and stopping in a nearby driveway, in concert with a white van. After 30 minutes, police said, the person in the white van drove up to the victims and shot them in their driveway.

The person police name as the shooter in that van does not appear to be in Shelby County Jail custody or listed in court records.

The survivor of that shooting picked Mani from a photo lineup. Police say they found him and Clay at an apartment on Ridgeway, inside a Dodge Journey. They also found a yellow Mini Cooper.

The men are in the Shelby County Jail. No bail has been set.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- A 19-year-old man accused of shooting a victim to death during an alleged drug deal in Binghampton three months ago was captured Tuesday, U.S. Marshals said.

Kenneth Givens is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Antoine Sims, who was pronounced dead at Le Bonheur hospital two days after the Sept. 15 shooting. Givens is also charged with attempted murder, and drug and firearms violations.

According to a warrant, three friends drove from West Memphis, Arkansas to Givens' apartment on North Merton Street in Memphis to buy some marijuana.

When they handed over money in the parking lot, Givens allegedly threw it back at them, told them to drive off, then began firing into their vehicle. A witness later told police the money was believed to be counterfeit.

Sims was struck by a bullet in the back of the head, police said. His friends drove him to the nearest hospital.

Givens was found by a marshals task force with Shelby County authorities inside a vehicle at Mount Moriah and Kirby. He was taken into custody without incident.

Another man in the vehicle, Tavaris Moore, was also taken into custody on warrants out of Nashville for aggravated assault on an officer and aggravated robbery, authorities said.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Prosecutors say a Whitehaven man shot to death a 19-year-old woman he was trafficking for sex, then dumped her body in a ditch.

A grand jury Tuesday indicted Robert J. Holmes, 31, on felony counts of first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, trafficking for commercial sex acts, and possession of a firearm in the commission of a dangerous felony. He is being held in the Shelby County Jail.

Holmes was arrested June 23 after the body ofJareesa Porchia of Camden, Ark., was found in a ditch on Old Getwell Road just south of Knight Arnold Road, according to a release from Shelby County District Attorney Amy Weirich's office.

Investigators said Holmes shot her in a van that evening and then disposed of her body.

They said that for several months Holmes had been collecting money from the victim after arranging encounters in which she performed sex acts for money.

BYRAM, N.J. (AP) — A Fort Drum soldier and a 16-year-old boy have been charged in the murder and kidnapping of a 20-year-old Tennessee soldier found buried under snow in northern New Jersey.

Pvt. Jamaal Mellish and the 16-year-old boy, whose identity has not been released, have been charged in the death of Cpl. Hayden Harris, whose body was found in Byram Township, according to the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office.

Harris was from Guys, Tennessee, in McNairy County about 100 miles east of Memphis. He graduated from McNairy Central High School in 2018.

• McNairy County friend remembers Tennessee soldier found fatally shot in NJ

The New Jersey Herald reports that the charges include first-degree murder and kidnapping, second-degree weapons charges, and other charges.

Township firefighters discovered Harris with a gunshot wound to his head a day after he was reported missing from Fort Drum.

Investigators say Harris was supposed to meet a fellow soldier for “some type of vehicle exchange,” but it’s believed he was abducted and killed by the soldier he was supposed to meet.

Harris, an infantryman with the 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, trained at Fort Benning, Georgia, before he joined the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum in July 2019.

His awards and decorations include two Army Achievement Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon. He graduated Air Assault School in 2019.

He was promoted from specialist to corporal following his death.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A year after her death, a family has filed a civil rights lawsuit against the Memphis Police Department and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

The family of Sabrina Nguyen alleges the agencies didn’t do enough to protect her from her ex-boyfriend, and they believe she would still be here today had her cries for help been answered.

“This is a sad time for us, especially once it’s been a year since Sabrina has been gone, and it just feels so unreal that she’s gone,” Sabrina’s brother Jimmy Nguyen said.

Police say the 18-year-old was stabbed to death by her ex-boyfriend Keedrin Coppage last January.

The family says she made multiple reports to police of how he kidnapped, threatened and harrassed her repeatedly before her death.

“We’re not talking about negligence. We’re not talking about a failure to investigate. We’re talking about an affirmative refusal to protect,” civil rights attorney Mike Laux said.

The civil rights lawsuit states, “Sabrina’s tragic, untimely death was caused by the wrongful affirmative acts and omissions committed by the defendants.” 

It goes on to allege her claims were not taken seriously and her 14^th Amendment rights were violated because of her race, gender and socio-economic background.

“If Sabrina were from an affluent part of town and were white, everything else the same, we believe it would not have turned out this way,” Laux said.

Family knows this won’t bring sabrina back but hopeful it can protect another domestic violence victim from the same fate. They are suing for an unspecified amount of damages on Sabrina’s behalf.

WREG reached out to both the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and Memphis Police Department about the lawsuit and have not heard back.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The second of two suspects in a deadly shooting in Marshall County, Mississippi, was arrested Thursday.

Marshall County issued capital murder warrants for Vaddrick Hatchett and Marreco Robinson for the shooting death of Martin Saulsberry, 50. The shooting happened Nov. 21 in the 5800 block of Hernando Road near Byhalia.

U.S. Marshals said in a release that Hatchett was arrested Dec. 21 at a factory where he worked in Freeport in Memphis.

Robinson was tracked to a house in the 5200 block of Lochinvar in the Whitehaven area and arrested Thursday. Marshals said he was found in a storage area under a bench.

Hatchett's photo was not available.

UPDATE: Memphis Police said a body, who is believed to be Robert Howard, has been recovered in the area of Second Street and the Wolf River Bridge.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Memphis Police officer is charged with forcing a man into his squad car and killing him while on duty.

Patric Ferguson, 29, is charged with first-degree murder, including aggravated kidnapping, tampering with evidence and abuse of a corpse in the death of 30-year-old Robert Howard.

Police released a statement at 2 a.m. Sunday that outlined the allegations:

On Jan. 6, Howard's girlfriend called police to report him missing. He had last been seen around 5 p.m. the day before in the 3500 block of Mark Twain Street in Frayser.

The woman used an app to track Howard's cell phone to the area of Lamar and Shelby Drive, police said. They issued a Missing Persons report and a City Watch for Howard.

Police said an investigation revealed that Ferguson, armed with a handgun, encountered Howard outside his residence and forced him into his squad car. The two knew each other, police said.

Ferguson then drove to Frayser Boulevard and Denver street, where he shot and killed Howard, according to MPD.

Ferguson was relieved of duty, police said. He has been assigned to MPD's Tillman Station since 2018.

Another man, 28-year-old Joshua Rogers, also is charged with tampering with evidence and abuse of a corpse in this case. Police say he was an acquaintance of Ferguson and helped him relocate the body.

"No one is above the law," Police Director Michael Rallings said in the MPD statement. "Knowing that a Memphis Police Officer, someone who took an oath to protect and serve, made the decision to commit this horrific crime is devastating. His actions were not that of a law enforcement officer and should not reflect on fellow officers."

The family has set up a GoFundMe account in Howard's honor. You can view it by clicking here.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Erika Norris is a grief-stricken mother who had plans to help her son plan his future, but instead she's planning his funeral.

"I can't eat, and I can't sleep," Norris said. "I will never see him have kids, get married they took all of that away from me."

Memphis Police say 18-year-old Davonte Bell was shot inside the Birch Road apartments in Whitehaven. Police say last Tuesday, Bell went to the apartment complex to sell a Playstation, and someone shot and killed him. Detectives say the motive was robbery.

"My kids are my world, my world has been turned upside down, it will never be the same," Norris said. "Why kill my son, what did he do to you that was so bad? He's not a evil person. Davonte stay to himself, he didn't bother nobody."

Witnesses told police they heard the shots, and Detectives hope surveillance video from the apartment complex will lead them to Bell's killer.

"I'm going to be ok, we are going to be ok, but we will get justice for you, and I love you with everything in me, I'm sorry you had to go so soon," Norris said.

If you know who killed Davonte Bell you are urged to call Crimestoppers at 901-528-CASH. Your tip could help put a dangerous criminal behinds and a $1000 cash in your pocket. All calls are confidential.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The man accused of being the accessory to a murder allegedly committed by an on-duty Memphis Police officer says he’s out on bail and “broken up” about the incident.

Joshua Rogers, 27, is accused of helping former MPD officer Patric Ferguson move victim Robert Howard’s body.

Ferguson is charged with first-degree murder along with other charges connected to the crime. According to police, Ferguson recruited Rogers after Ferguson shot and killed Howard.

Rogers admitted to police he assisted Ferguson in moving the body twice, from the first location to his home, then another location. Police say he then took the vehicle used in the crime to transport the victim and sold his car at a scrap yard. 

He's facing abuse of a corpse charges, accessory after the fact, and tampering with and fabricating evidence.

Since his arrest, Rogers posted $25,000 bail and took to Facebook to announce his freedom, giving short details about his account of what happened. 

“All I can say about the case was that it was a life or death situation for me and I had to do what I had to do to survive and make it out alive," Rogers wrote.

He then went on to say he would never do anything "dumb,” saying he's working to get a lawyer and will be doing his best to clear his name. He asked for prayers and donations. 

WREG tried reaching Rogers at the address listed for him, but no one answered. We tried messaging him to get further detail on his post but did not receive a reply. 

We searched his background through the Shelby County Jail system, but all we found were disposed traffic tickets, and no violent crimes. 

Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings called the alleged murder by someone on his force “one of the most despicable acts that I’ve dealt with.” 

Rallings says now his team is working to make sure Ferguson is held accountable. 

“And I hope he never sees the light of day. The fact that this young man was murdered by a Memphis Police officer is sickening,” Rallings said.

Howard’s family members said Ferguson was angry that the 30-year-old  Howard was dating another officer on the force he used to date.

Memphis Police officer charged with murder, kidnapping in man’s death

Family of man allegedly kidnapped and murdered by MPD officer speaks out

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The former Memphis police officer accused of killing a man while on duty has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Patric Ferguson, 29, made his first court appearance on Thursday and pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, tampering with evidence and abuse of a corpse in the death of Robert Howard.

Court documents said Ferguson initially confessed to the crime, but on Thursday, his attorney said he would be pleading not guilty.

"As it is shown so many times, stories are not always what they originally seem to be. There are almost always two very different sides to the story," said Ferguson's attorney Lauren Fuchs.

On Jan. 6, Howard’s girlfriend called police to report him missing. He had last been seen around 5 p.m. the day before in the 3500 block of Mark Twain Street in Frayser.

The woman used an app to track Howard’s cell phone to the area of Lamar and Shelby Drive, police said. They issued a Missing Persons report and a City Watch for Howard.

Police said an investigation revealed that Ferguson, armed with a personal handgun, encountered Howard outside his residence and forced him into his squad car while on the clock. Ferguson then drove to Frayser Boulevard and Denver Street, where he shot and killed Howard, according to MPD.

Memphis Police said they found searches in Ferguson's phone regarding how to clean up a crime scene and destroy DNA evidence. They claim to also have surveillance video showing Ferguson committing the crime.

"We are beginning our investigations and we have a lot of issues that we are looking into to get a more complete picture of what occurred on this day," said Fuchs.

Ferguson was relieved of duty, police said. He has been assigned to MPD’s Tillman Station since 2018.

Another man, 28-year-old Joshua Rogers, was charged with tampering with evidence and abuse of a corpse in this case. Police say he was an acquaintance of Ferguson and helped him relocate the body.

Rogers recently made a Facebook post claiming it was a "life or death situation". He went on to say, "I had to do what I had to do to survive and make it out alive."

Prosecutor Paul Hagerman said he's aware of the post, but was unable to comment.

"It's a companion case. It's not a co-defendant but Mr. Rogers....his matter's set in March because he's out on bond," he said.

"The facts of the case are shocking," he added.

Rogers is scheduled to be back in court on March 19. A preliminary hearing for Ferguson has been set for February 4. He's being held without bond.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Another family is pleading for justice in their loved one's death. This time police say he was shot while walking to the store.

The family identifies the victim in Sunday's shooting on Thrift Avenue in Frayser as 20-year-old Cordarius Alls.

The family doesn't believe he was the intended target. They say this was a case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time with deadly consequences.

"It's not just someone's body found or a statistic. These are real people. They have loved ones who will miss them, who will grieve them for life," said Kimberly Clinton, the victim's aunt.

More crime scene tape up went outside this Frayser home, alerting neighbors something's happened. Police say a man was shot multiple times while walking early Sunday morning. Family members say it was Alls.

"From my understanding he was on his way to the store and he was mistakenly murdered by some guys," said Corey Sublett, the victim's father.

Sublett says there was a fight in the neighborhood earlier that night, but his son had nothing to do with it and still ended up being taken a week before his 21st birthday.

"Put the guns down. That's not it, turn away from violence. We need Jesus in our lives," said Elder Anette Smiley, the victim's grandmother.

The family says he moved to get away from violence, but it ended up at their doorstep. Since the start of the year, police have responded to half a dozen incidents on the street including three assaults and Alls' murder, leaving behind another family that has to cope with this type of loss.

"It's really indescribable how I feel. That was my sidekick. That was my best friend. We talked literally every day, day and night," said Corey Alls, the victim's brother.

Police say they don't have any information on a suspect. If you know anything, call Crimestoppers if you know anything that can help.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Shelby County Sheriff's deputies have arrested one man and are looking for another they say shot two men during an attempted robbery at a southeast Shelby County home and recording studio.

Moasies Hardy was found dead inside the house in the 7000 block of Belmont late Saturday night.

The homeowner, Jerrell Anderson, was also shot in the neck, but survived his injuries. He was able to identify Jaylon Hatch, 22, as one of the shooters.

Anderson told deputies he was recording a song in his home studio with Hardy, Hatch and another man he didn't know, when Hatch and the other suspect pulled out guns and demanded their money.

Anderson said the men forced him into a bedroom with Hardy and told him to open his safe.

Anderson stated that he was so nervous he couldn't open the safe and that's when Hatch and the other man opened fire.

Investigators said Anderson was able to pick Hatch out of a photo lineup and he was located at a hotel on Austin Peay Highway. They said Anderson was in possession of handgun stolen in Memphis back in September.

Anderson is facing several charges including first degree murder, attempted first degree murder and unlawful possession of a weapon.

If you know anything about this shooting you are urged to call Shelby County Crime Stoppers at (901) 528-CASH.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Rosemary Hooks says the pain of losing her son never gets easier.

“It kills me, it tears my heart out,” she said. “He was a real friendly guy, he would do what he could for anybody that asked him.”

Memphis Police say George Hooks was killed May 1, 2013 in the 1400 block of Gausco in South Memphis.

Police says the shooting happened just after 5 o'clock in the morning as Hooks was about to get in his truck and leave for work. That's when officers say someone walked up to him and shot him.

No one saw the shooting, but his neighbor heard the gunfire and rushed outside, only to see Hooks laying face down on the ground, bleeding.

“I went to shake him, I started calling his name,” neighbor Ken Small said. “I was getting nervous. I saw blood coming out. I panicked, I didn't know what to do.”

Smalls called 911.

“I was going to give him CPR but he was already gone,” he said. “His body was warm around the waist but his chest was cold.”

Detectives have spent seven years looking for his killer, but the trail has gone cold. Police beleive Hooks may have been the victim of a robbery. 

His mother says not a day goes by that she doesn't think about her son and pray for peace and closure.

“It is a feeling that you can't rub, you can't scratch, it's just tearing your heart out. You will never be the same and every day you think about it,” she said.

“Son, I love you. I don't know what happened, but I wish you could tell me, and I love you forever.”

If you know who killed George Hooks you are urged to call Crime Stoppers at 528-CASH. Your tip could help put a dangeous criminal behind bars and thousand dollars cash in your pocket. All calls are confidential.

OBION COUNTY, Tenn. — A Martin, Tennessee man wanted in connection with the killing of two duck hunters at Reelfoot Lake remained at large Tuesday evening, as investigators talk to a witness to the shooting.

David Vowell, 70, is accused of killing 26-year-old Chance Black and 25-year-old Zachary Grooms at a duck blind Monday morning. Details on what led to the tragedy have not been released.

But Tommy Thomas, the district attorney for Obion County, confirmed there was a witness to the shooting.

He said investigators are getting more information from a third hunter, who was in the same blind as the two victims.

Thomas said a vehicle and boat belonging to Vowell have been recovered, but the suspect remains at large. He would not comment on whether the shootings stemmed from a disagreement on the location of the hunting blinds. 

Black was the son of the chief deputy of the Weakley County Sheriff’s Department, county officials said.

Jackson Seales, a duck hunting guide at Reelfoot Lake in northwest Tennessee, said he knew Black, who was a manager at Final Flight Outfitters, a sporting goods store in Union City, Tennessee.

“He was just a great. Never met a stranger, always had a smile on him,” Seales said. “Always, 'Hey man, how's the duck hunting today?' Just a good all around guy. I didn't know the other boy as well, but Chance, I bought a gun off him this summer.”

Final Flight Outfitters confirmed Black was a manager in their gun department. The store released a statement:

“What has taken place is hard to process. No duck is worth the life of a man. What we do know is that God is our refuge and strength, even in the hardest of times."

Since Monday, there has been an intense search for Vowell, who is considered armed and dangerous, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says.

A Nashville couple anticipating a day of eagle watching at Reelfoot said they were shocked to learn of the murders.

“We saw the helicopter and we thought, 'Oh, we better get out of here,’” said Terry Solina.

Holly Clymer, who lives near the north side of Reelfoot Lake about a mile and half from where the shootings happened, said she won't rest until Vowell is found.

“Very concerned,” she said, “because he killed once and he might could kill again, you know.”

Officials will meet Wednesday morning at the Obion County Sheriff's Office to decide what the next phase of their search for Vowell will be.

If you've seen Vowell or know where he might be you're urged to contact the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.