Memphis, September 30, 2025
News Summary
A shooting incident near Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis resulted in the deaths of two students. An 18-year-old has been arrested for the crime, while authorities continue to search for three additional suspects. The incident has sparked discussions about safety in schools, prompting additional security measures and support services for affected students and staff. The community and schools are rallying to address the impact of gun violence and support youth safety.
Memphis has seen a tragic turn of events following a shooting that left two students dead near Booker T. Washington High School. The Memphis Police Department has made its first arrest in connection to the shooting. The arrested individual is 18-year-old Valdemar Patterson, who has been booked on two counts of first-degree murder. Authorities are continuing to search for three additional suspects related to the incident.
The shooting occurred on Thursday around 3 p.m., prompting a lockdown at the school until students were safe and dismissed around 4 p.m. Surveillance images of the assailants were released by the police on Saturday in hopes of gathering information and assistance from the community.
The victims, who were also students at Booker T. Washington High School, have not yet been identified. In the wake of this incident, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is actively collaborating with law enforcement during the ongoing investigation. Grief counselors and emotional support services have been made available to students and staff to help them cope with the trauma of the shooting.
In response to the shooting, additional security measures have been implemented on the school campus to ensure the safety of all students and staff. MSCS issued a statement extending condolences to the families and the entire Booker T. Washington community while emphasizing the importance of protecting children from violence.
The community was reminded of the impact of gun violence and the necessity of supporting youth safety. In this context, there are no open court cases against Patterson, according to Shelby County Court records. Action News 5 is investigating whether Patterson is also a student at the high school.
Authorities are encouraging anyone with information related to the case to contact CrimeStoppers at (901) 528-CASH.
Background of the Incident
The incident marks a concerning moment for the city and the school community, reflecting nationwide issues surrounding gun violence affecting students. The community is urged to come together to support youth and drive home the message that safety in schools is paramount.
Additional Security Measures
In light of the shooting, additional security protocols have been adopted at Booker T. Washington High School. These measures aim to provide reassurance to students, staff, and parents that their safety remains a top priority.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation is still ongoing as police work to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects involved in the shooting. Community cooperation is vital in finding those responsible and preventing further violence.
Conclusion
This tragic shooting incident highlights the urgent need for discussions around gun violence and students’ safety in schools. The Memphis community continues to stand in solidarity to support the victims and advocate for peace and safety in schools.
FAQs
What happened at Booker T. Washington High School?
A shooting occurred on Thursday around 3 p.m. near Booker T. Washington High School, leaving two students dead.
Who was arrested in connection with the shooting?
The arrested individual is 18-year-old Valdemar Patterson, who has been booked on two counts of first-degree murder.
Are there any other suspects in the case?
Yes, police continue to search for three additional suspects related to the case.
What support is being provided to students and staff?
Grief counselors and emotional support services have been made available to students and staff following the incident.
How can the public assist in the investigation?
Authorities encourage anyone with information about the case to contact CrimeStoppers at (901) 528-CASH.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Booker T. Washington High School, Memphis |
| Date | Thursday |
| Victims | Two students (identities not yet released) |
| Arrestee | Valdemar Patterson, 18 years old |
| Charges | Two counts of first-degree murder |
| Additional Suspects | Searching for three suspects |
| Support Services | Grief counselors and emotional support available |
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Additional Resources
- Action News 5: Man 18 Charged with Murder in Shooting Deaths of Memphis High Schoolers
- Fox13 Memphis: Two High School Students Killed in South Memphis Shooting
- MLK50: April 2025 Was One of the Deadliest Months on Record for Memphis Children
- Local Memphis: School Shooting at Minnesota Catholic School
- Fox13 Memphis: Two More Suspects Arrested After Shooting near Booker T. Washington High School
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- Google Search: Memphis school shooting
- Google Scholar: School gun violence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Control
- Google News: Memphis student safety
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 areaโwith 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.
