MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis is a city in shock and in mourning. Because for the past few weeks, we have seen first-hand the devastating effects of violent crime.
Of course, Memphis has been saddled with a tremendous crime problem for years – even decades. As far back as 1916, we were described as the murder capital of the nation. But now, random violence has struck us in a deeply profound way.
The murder of beloved pastor Autura Eason-Williams in July outside her Whitehaven home touched a nerve in all of us, particularly when we learned that a 15-year-old was charged in her death.
Then came the depressing news of the abduction and murder of Memphis kindergarten teacher Eliza Fletcher, whose body was found Monday behind a vacant apartment in South Memphis.
And Wednesday night, a deadly shooting rampage in which a 19-year-old man – already wanted for murder – virtually shut the city down for hours.
And we must say to ourselves, this is unacceptable.
The comforting thing amid the carnage is – we’re fortunate to have a police department that responded quickly to these crimes and arrested those believed responsible. These are officers who risked their own lives – particularly Wednesday night – to track down the shooter and put an end to the terror.
Now, the work must continue to address the causes of such violence. It won’t be easy. But for the future of our city, we have to try.