MEMPHIS, Tenn. — UPDATE 9/4/2020 - Local 24 News has learned the person shot and killed at a Whitehaven gas station Thursday is Whitehaven High School football player Demetrius Robinson.
Head Coach Rodney Saulsberry, Sr. posted to social media about Robinson's death Friday, saying in part, "Rise & grind. Everyday is an opportunity to make yourself better."
Robinson was a senior on the team, and we're told he had just finished virtual learning for the day and stopped at the gas station on his way to a football conditioning session.
The search continues for the shooter(s). Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH.
The Shelby County School Board issued the following statement:
"When our students, families, and employees grieve, we grieve alongside them. To stand beside a family in pain and simply offer condolences is heartbreaking because we cannot take the hurt away. Furthermore, it’s unsettling to witness others push personal opinions following incidents like the tragic passing of a Whitehaven High School student-athlete. Connecting an act of gun violence with the District’s decision to delay fall sports and prioritize the health and safety of students and staff is absolutely deplorable. The large number of children affected by gun violence is an issue that impacts our entire city and county. As a Board and District, we work tirelessly to intervene and support students in need. We also partner with local organizations to combat violence in our neighborhoods. While we cannot control everything that happens in our community, we diligently strive to holistically support every child. Any instance when the life of a precious child is taken, we take it PERSONALLY. With poverty, crime and violence plaguing our communities, we implore every resident to take what is happening PERSONALLY. Now is the time to come together seeking solutions to eradicate violence in Memphis and across the nation. Rather than casting blame, let us stand alongside our families with the determination and power to actualize change."
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9/3/2020 - Memphis police are searching for whoever shot and killed a man at a Whitehaven gas station Thursday afternoon.
The shooting happened around 4:00 p.m. at a gas station on Elvis Presley Blvd. near Timothy Drive – not far from Graceland.
Officers say the victim died at the scene.
Police say the suspects were last seen westbound on Whitaker in a black Infinity with tinted windows and a drive out tag.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (901) 528-CASH.