MEMPHIS, Tenn — ABC24 has learned that the man charged with killing a beloved doctor at a Collierville clinic had been involved in incidents at the Campbell Clinic in Germantown the week before the attack.
Larry Pickens, 29, is charged with first-degree murder and aggravated assault in the July 11, 2023, shooting death of Dr. Benjamin Mauck at a Campbell Clinic in Collierville.
Germantown Police said on the morning of Wednesday, July 5, its officers responded to two calls involving Pickens at the Campbell Clinic on Wolf River Blvd. in Germantown. Investigators said clinic staff were concerned about “unusual behavior” Pickens was exhibiting and called police. GPD said Pickens left the property, but they returned a short time later, which led to a second call for police to respond.
GPD said Pickens did not make any threats of violence and was asked to leave. They said he was warned about trespassing at the Campbell Clinic.
According to the affidavit from Collierville Police, officers responded to an active shooter call at the Campbell Clinic on Poplar Ave. about 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 11. The affidavit said one witness recognized Pickens from previous visits. According to the affidavit, Pickens was in an exam room being treated by Dr. Mauck when he pulled a gun from his waistband and fired three shots at the doctor, who died at the scene.
The affidavit said Pickens took off, but was pointed out by a security officer in the area walking on Poplar near the entrance to the clinic. Collierville police said they found a gun with an empty chamber and two empty magazines in a backpack he was carrying.
Authorities haven't disclosed a possible motive for the shooting.
Pickens is in the Collierville Jail on $1,200,000 bond. During a court hearing in Collierville Thursday, Pickens told the judge he could not afford the bail and wasn't sure if he could afford a lawyer, the Commercial Appeal reported. He did not enter a plea. Judge Lee Ann Dobson told Pickens that a public defender would not cost him anything and set his next court date for July 20.
Collierville Police said the case remains under investigation and no further details will be released for now.
The Campbell Clinic issued a new statement Thursday, saying:
"We remain shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of Dr. Ben Mauck. Our hearts are heavy, and we are keeping Dr. Mauck’s family, friends, and colleagues in our prayers at this time.
We also recognize that we have a duty to continue providing timely services for the patients who depend upon us for care. To that end, all locations have resumed standard business hours, except for our Collierville location which will remain closed.
We recognize that returning to work may be accompanied by various emotions and we want to assure you that the safety, and mental and emotional well-being of our employees and patients is of the utmost importance to us.
You will notice additional safety measures at all locations, including increased security presence and security patrol. We have also requested local law enforcement to increase their patrol of our locations.
We would also like to take this opportunity and extend a heartfelt thank you to all those that have reached out with messages of condolences and support. Thank you for loving the Campbell Clinic family as your own."
Campbell Clinic Chief of Staff, Dr. Frederick Azar released this statement Thursday:
“Ben was so much to so many people. He loved his family and was a dedicated husband and father. He was a talented physician who deeply cared for his patients - and they loved him back – with literally thousands of positive testimonials.
He was a superb teacher for our residents and fellows - and he was a respected leader in our practice. He was a brother to us all, who had the blessing and the privilege to care for our patients alongside him.
We can assure you that his legacy here will be forever held in high regard. His life truly embodied our priorities for faith, family and patient care.”
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
