News Summary
A shooting incident at Tequila Town Bar in northeast Memphis early Thursday resulted in a husband and wife being arrested on serious charges. Jose Montoya and Judith Ramirez face charges including criminal attempt of first-degree murder after Montoya opened fire during a confrontation. One woman was left in critical condition, and multiple vehicles were damaged. The couple fled the scene but was later apprehended by police. This incident highlights growing concerns about public safety and rising gun violence associated with nightlife in the area.
Northeast Memphis – Husband and Wife Arrested After Bar Shooting Leaves One Injured
A shooting at the Tequila Town Bar in northeast Memphis early Thursday morning has resulted in the arrest of a husband and wife, both facing serious charges following the incident that left one woman in critical condition. The shooting occurred just before 1 a.m. on June 15, prompting a swift response from local law enforcement and emergency services.
Jose Montoya, 27, and his wife, Judith Ramirez, 26, have been charged with criminal attempt of first-degree murder, vandalism, and employing a firearm with intent. Their actions at the bar escalated from a heated argument to gunfire, resulting in chaos and injury.
The incident began when Montoya displayed aggressive behavior inside the bar, leading the security staff to intervene. A security guard confronted Montoya in an attempt to diffuse the situation, which only aggravated Montoya, prompting him to threaten the guard. As the couple was escorted out, Montoya was reported to have made alarming statements indicative of his violent intentions.
According to police reports, Ramirez later revealed that Montoya went to their car, retrieved a firearm, and began firing at the security guard. This prompted a return of fire from the guard, who acted in self-defense. Witnesses indicated that Montoya reloaded his weapon several times during the shooting spree. The couple fled the scene without rendering assistance to anyone, including the victims of their actions.
One woman sustained serious injuries in the incident and was transported to Regional One Hospital, where she remains in critical condition. Additionally, several vehicles in the vicinity were damaged by gunfire, raising concerns about public safety in busy nightlife areas.
Law enforcement was able to track down Montoya and Ramirez after locating their vehicle on Josibpet Lane. Investigators recovered multiple spent shell casings from the scene, which contributed to the evidence against the couple. Following their apprehension, both individuals were questioned by police while waiving their Miranda Rights. However, their statements raised further questions, particularly Ramirez, who offered conflicting accounts of the events leading to the shooting. Montoya remained silent during questioning.
A search warrant executed at the couple’s home yielded a weapon believed to be connected to the shooting incident. Following their arrest, Jose Montoya’s bond was set at $250,000, while Judith Ramirez’s bond was set at $300,000.
Context of Rising Violence
This incident underscores an alarming trend of increasing gun violence associated with nightlife establishments in Memphis. Local business owners have expressed growing concerns about safety in their establishments, prompting many to adopt enhanced security measures. These measures include hiring additional security personnel and installing surveillance cameras in an effort to deter potential violence and ensure customer safety.
As this case progresses, it reflects broader issues regarding public safety and gun violence, highlighting the responsibilities of both businesses and law enforcement to address these challenges effectively.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and authorities are urging any eyewitnesses to come forward with additional information that might aid in understanding the full scope of events leading to this tragic incident.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 Memphis: Husband and Wife Arrested
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence
- WREG: Southwest Memphis Shooting
- Google Search: Memphis shooting incidents
- Fox 13 Memphis: 3 Injured in South Memphis Shooting
- Google Scholar: Gun violence in nightlife areas
- Action News 5: Man Dies After Memphis Police Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Violent Crime
- Fox 13 Memphis: Man Killed in Early Morning Shooting
- Google News: Memphis shooting news
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
