MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – Loved ones are mourning the death of a well-known philanthropist after he was shot and killed during an attempted armed robbery Friday night.
The incident was reported in the parking lot of Greater Lewis Street Ministries around 10:30 p.m.
“There really isn’t a way to put words to who Glenn was, but he was like everybody’s best friend,“ said Van Fakes-Magness, a cousin of the victim’s wife. “Literally everybody’s best friend and brother.“
Memphis Police confirm Glenn Cofield, 57, was fatally shot shortly after returning from a St. Jude fundraiser at a home less than a mile from where he was gunned down.
“As Mr. Cofield attempted to enter his vehicle there was a verbal exchange between him and the suspect followed by a gunshot,“ said homicide investigator Lt. Tony Mullins, in Saturday night’s news conference on the shooting.
Christi Pugh, who attended the event said guests had the option to shuttle in buses or walk to the party. Officers originally reported that the incident stemmed from an argument, but later confirmed it was an attempted armed robbery.
Scanner traffic on Friday described that a suspect “left with a group of people, in two separate vehicles,“ noting that one of the vehicles was red.
MPD says the shooter’s vehicle could also be dark-colored. A relative tells Local 24 News that Mr. Cofield’s wife was with him during his last moments. She called her cousin, frantic.
“She said Van, Glenn’s been shot I’m almost certain he’s dead, I think he’s dead,“ said Fakes-Magness
On Sunday, friends came to the church parking lot where Cofield shot, laying down flowers to pay respects.
“There’s no reason for it,“ said Davis Rangi, who went to high school with one of Mr. Cofield’s son. “You’re just going to come here and harm an innocent man, when he’s done nothing but good.“
Glenn Cofield leaves behind a wife and three sons.
“When it’s you, it’s just a different story,“ said Fakes-Magness. “Memphis is an incredible city and we need to use this and make it something that pulls us together.“
Memphis Police are still searching for suspect information. You’re urged to call Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH.