MEMPHIS, Tenn. — ABC24 has learned that an 18-year-old man charged in a crime spree and deadly shooting near Memphis International Airport had been granted diversion and probation just weeks before.
According to court records, Vontavious Muirhead, 18, was granted diversion and placed on one year probation on June 13, 2024, on a theft charge. Records show charges for guns and drugs were dismissed as part of that case.
According to the affidavit for that case, officers responding to a burglary on May 6, 2024, spotted a stolen car across the street, with Muirhead asleep in the driver’s seat. They said he had two guns in his lap and marijuana and a scale in the car. Investigators took Muirhead into custody, then determined that at least one of the guns had been stolen as well.
Court records show that just over a month later on June 13, Muirhead was released after being granted diversion and probation.
Memphis Police said Muirhead and a 13-year-old boy were identified as suspects in a deadly shooting roughly two weeks later at American Way and Lamar, not far from Memphis International Airport, on July 2. A man was found shot to death about 4:30 a.m. that morning.
MPD investigators said they arrested Muirhead and the 13-year-old on July 4 after tracking a stolen vehicle. Police said both suspects were involved in multiple other crimes that occurred the same day as the deadly shooting.
- Around 4:30 a.m. on July 2, officers responded to an auto theft in the 3200 block of Woodlake Circle and were told that someone's 2018 Kia Sorento was stolen from the parking lot a couple hours earlier.
- Just before 5:30 a.m., MPD responded to a robbery at 4225 Winchester Road at the Exxon Gas Station, where officers were told the victims were approached by three armed suspects in all-black clothing. The suspects took several items from the victims and drove away in a red Kia Sorento.
- Officers later responded to another robbery in the 5900 block of Wind Meadow Lane just before midnight, in which they were told two armed suspects stole several items from the victims and drove away in the same Sorento.
Muirhead was charged with first degree murder in the perpetration of an aggravated robbery, aggravated robbery, and theft of property to wit: $10,000-$60,000. He is being held in the Shelby County Jail. Bond was set July 10 at $1,000,000 for the murder case and no bond is listed for a probation violation. A separate robbery case was dismissed Aug. 13, according to court records.
The 13-year-old boy was charged with first degree murder in the perpetration of an aggravated robbery, aggravated robbery, and theft of property to wit: $10,000-$60,000.
D.A.'s response
Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy's office issued this statement on the case:
“The more serious charge, possessing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, had to be dismissed because it was not supported by the facts under the statute. Because the remaining charges were nonviolent, and this was a first offense, the law presumes diversion given these facts. Consistent with this law, we didn’t oppose diversion (which would likely have been granted regardless of our position).
Our hearts go out to the victim's families. We will make sure this defendant stays in jail pending trial and receives severe punishment for this serious crime.”