MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis non-profit organization Touched by an Angel is holding an event to "shine a spotlight" on the Orange Mound mass shooting that took place in April.
The event is said to be on the corner of Park and Pennington at 5 p.m. Sunday, June 23.
Memphis Police said the shooting happened at a block party held without a permit at Orange Mound Park shortly after 7 p.m. Saturday, April 20, 2024, and as many as 300 people were in attendance.
A 17-year-old male and 22-year-old male were killed in the attack, according to MPD. Seven others who were injured included:
- 16-year-old female
- 19-year-old male
- 20-year-old female
- 21-year-old male
- 23-year-old male
- 29-year-old male
- 29-year-old female.
The United States Marshal's service originally pledged a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the Orange Mound mass shooting investigation.
The funds are in addition to a $4,000 reward offered by CrimeStoppers. It was previously announced that CrimeStoppers would be offering a $15,000 reward, but communications from CrimeStoppers soon said they would be offering only a $4,000 reward.
MPD public information officer Kim Elder clarified that the city has added an additional reward, increasing the total to $15,000.
The Memphis Police Department presented new ideas and solutions to the Memphis City Council, geared towards making area community centers and parks safer.
The presentation comes on the heels of shootings at the Douglass Community Center and Orange Mound Park, which left two teenagers and a 22-year-old dead and many more injured.
“We’re losing a lot of young kids, a lot of young people, a lot of innocent people,” said David Fason, one of many Memphis residents tired of seeing children fall victim to gun violence.
Interim Memphis Police Chief C.J. Davis approached the city council with new initiatives to try and put a stop to that.
“We want it to stop, and we’re utilizing all of our resources; our officers are putting their lives on the line,” Interim Chief Davis said. “Sometimes they’re outgunned and outmanned when it comes to addressing crime.”
The interim police chief said they are establishing a task force with schools and the Shelby County Sheriff's Office to prevent issues at schools from spilling out into parks and recreation centers.
MPD is also looking to crack down on unpermitted events like Saturday’s Orange Mound block party. MPD said staffing at the permits office will be increased and wants to have inspections at the spots where permitted events are planned. The goal is make sure more eyes are on large gatherings that could be masked as community block parties.