MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A $12,000 reward has been posted Wednesday for information leading to an arrest in the death of a Christ Church leader.
Christ Church Memphis said the staff member, who was the victim of an attack in front of his home Saturday, passed away Tuesday, May 8, 2023, around 11:30 a.m.
Christ Church officials told ABC24 that staff member, Steve Pearl, was hospitalized after the assault on Saturday, May 6, leaving him with critical, life-threatening injuries.
The Christ Church Memphis congregation shared kind words after confirming Pearl's passing.
"He touched our lives in countless ways with his Christ-centered selflessness, a temperament that always went the extra mile, and deep love of people," Christ Church Memphis said.
Memphis Police are still searching for his attackers.
MPD officers responded to the 700 block of Watson near Goodlett west of Audubon Park just after 6 a.m. on Saturday, May 6, 2023. They found Pearl injured, and he was taken to St. Francis in critical condition.
After originally believing Pearl had been shot, MPD said he was actually the victim of a "physical altercation."
MPD said two suspects in dark clothing drove away in a light-colored (gold or silver) SUV with large rear tires.
"We are certain someone has information that could help solve this murder," said David Wayne Brown, CrimeStoppers executive director. "We urge anyone with information to come forward and call our anonymous tips line, 528-CASH (2274)."
Family and friends collected $10,000. That amount alongside the usual $2000 available from CrimeStoppers in homicide cases, makes the award a total of $12,000.
Christ Church Memphis said in a statement: "Steve is a valued and beloved member of our church family, and the members of Christ Church are actively praying for him and his loved ones. We invite the ongoing prayers of the greater Memphis community."
Editor's note: MPD previously communicated that the victim in this story was shot. They retracted their statements to communicate that he was instead the victim of a physical altercation.