News Summary
Quaverre Rogers has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter after fatally shooting Damein Hawkins outside Jerry Lee Lewis’ Cafรฉ. The incident has ignited discussions on gun violence in Memphis, reflecting broader concerns in urban areas. Rogers, who initially faced first-degree murder charges, was acquitted of that count. The outcome has left Hawkins’ widow feeling a mix of relief and grief, emphasizing the need for legislative action to curb gun-related crimes and improve community safety.
Memphis, Tennessee – Quaverre Rogers was sentenced to 14 years in prison on May 17, 2025, following convictions for voluntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of Damein Hawkins. The incident occurred outside Jerry Lee Lewis’ Cafรฉ on March 17, 2024. Rogers’ actions on that day led to widespread discussions about gun violence in urban settings, reflecting ongoing concerns in Memphis and beyond.
The judge’s sentencing, which included 12 years for manslaughter and an additional two years for possession of a prohibited weapon, came after Rogers was apprehended by police while standing over Hawkins with a gun. Following the shooting, Rogers led law enforcement on a brief foot chase before his arrest. This sequence of events contributed to the prosecution’s arguments against him during the trial.
The court’s decision was met with a mix of relief and grief from Hawkins’ widow, Charloris Isabel-Hawkins. She expressed that the verdict represented a sense of vindication regarding her husband’s death, despite her initial hope for a harsher punishment that would reflect the true severity of the loss. In her view, the results of the trial indicated a compromise in the justice system, as Rogers had originally faced first-degree murder charges but was acquitted of that count.
During the trial, Rogersโ defense team argued that he acted in self-defense due to provocation. However, the presiding judge sided with the prosecution’s account of the incident. Following the verdict, there was a mixed emotional response from Isabel-Hawkins as she wrestled with accepting the manslaughter conviction, feeling that Rogers’ expressed remorse seemed rehearsed and insincere.
The shooting incident has sparked discussions about the prevalence of gun violence in Memphis, a city that, like many others across the nation, grapples with issues related to firearm accessibility and usage. The event surrounding Hawkinsโ death is not isolated, as reports of similar occurrences continue to emerge, highlighting the community’s urgent need for effective measures to address these challenges.
The fallout from this case will likely extend beyond the courtroom as community leaders and residents advocate for solutions to reduce gun violence and improve safety in public spaces. The trial and its outcome have shed light on the human toll of such incidents, prompting renewed calls for legislative action aimed at curbing gun-related crimes and protecting citizens from similar tragedies.
As Quaverre Rogers begins his 14-year sentence, the impact of the Beale Street shooting continues to resonate throughout Memphis, serving as a painful reminder of the lives lost to gun violence and the grief endured by families in its wake. The necessity for a dialogue on prevention and intervention strategies remains paramount as the community seeks healing and justice.
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Additional Resources
- Action News 5
- Wikipedia: Gun violence in the United States
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Google Search: Memphis gun violence
- Commercial Appeal
- Google Scholar: Gun violence prevention strategies
- The New York Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun control
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Google News: Memphis crime 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 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.
