MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Shelby County Grand Jury has indicted a man on charges in a deadly August 2023 shooting where police said he claimed the victim had robbed him, according to court records.
Justin Parries, 41, was indicted on charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, especially aggravated burglary, convicted felon in possession of a handgun, and employing a firearm during a felony. He is being held without bond in the Shelby County Jail.
Memphis Police officers responded to the shooting just before 6 a.m. Friday, Aug. 25, in the 300 block of Glencoe Road. According to the police affidavit, officers arrived to find a vehicle on fire in front of the home, and a man dead at the scene. He was identified as John Bland.
Investigators said a woman at the scene was shot in the leg. She was taken to Regional One Health in critical condition.
According to the affidavit, she told officers she saw her son's car on fire in the driveway, and her son - Bland - trying to put it out. She told investigators that's when a man approached them and tried to force his way inside. According to the affidavit, she said she and her son tried to close the door on the man, but he stuck his arm between the door and framed and started shooting, hitting her and her son.
The affidavit said investigators identified Parries as the suspect because he called police claiming Bland had robbed him. They said he was identified in a photo lineup.
According to the affidavit, Parries is a convicted felon who was sentenced to four years in April 2012 on drug charges.
