MEMPHIS, Tenn. — MPD said the suspect accused in a number of abductions and rapes in South Memphis has been identified as 29-year-old Laderio Gordon.
Memphis Police announced an arrest Thursday evening and identified Gordon Friday afternoon after an investigation which also involved the FBI. MPD said the suspect was positively identified by two of the victims.
Gordon is currently in the Shelby County Jail on charges of rape of a child, especially aggravated kidnapping, and employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. No bond has been set, and a hearing is scheduled for May 1.
A current police affidavit provides details on one of the cases MPD and the FBI were investigating.
According to the affidavit, MPD responded to a kidnapping report the morning of April 13, 2023, at the Cane Creek Apartments. The affidavit states a 12-year-old girl told police she had been walking to school in the area of Ethlyn and Silver when Gordon drove up in a black 2018 Ford Escape and ordered her into the vehicle at gunpoint. The girl told investigators Gordon told her to turn off her phone, but she restarted it and did not turn it completely off. She said he then forced her to perform oral sex as he drove. According to the affidavit, the girl said Gordon offered her money, which she declined, after, then he released her.
According to the affidavit, surveillance cameras in the neighborhood caught the moments before, during, and after the abduction, and captured video of him stalking the girl along Silver St.
MPD interviewed Gordon on April 27, and according to the affidavit, he admitted to picking the girl up in his “girlfriend’s truck,” and that she performed oral sex on him. The affidavit said he then admitted to dropping her back off.
The search for the suspect in the abductions led MPD to warn the community earlier this week, and to increase patrols with Memphis-Shelby County Schools in the area near Hamilton High. MSCS had itself issued a warning earlier this month after the April 13th incident.
MPD has asked anyone who may have been victimized by the suspect who offered people rides in the Gaslight, Bunker Hill, and Cane Creek communities to call Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH.
MPD has not said if these latest abductions are related to a suspicious man who MSCS leaders said was reported to be in the area in March "attempting to pick up students against their will."
MSCS Statement
MSCS released the following statement to parents Friday after news of the arrest:
"Since March, we’ve alerted the community of a threat in the South Memphis area. We’re grateful to share that the alleged abductor was arrested Thursday, April 27. We thank the FBI, MPD, MSCS Safety and Security team, and area principals, teachers, and staff for their united efforts.
While a suspect has been arrested in these recent incidents, unity and vigilance are always timely. As a reminder, if you see something, say something; always report any suspicious activity to law enforcement or school leaders. Children should always walk to and from school in pairs or in groups.
As the school year nears a close, let’s continue to work together to ensure that children across Memphis and Shelby County are safe and supported as they finish strong."