Quaverre Rogers Sentenced for Manslaughter in Memphis Shooting

Urban Memphis street scene discussing gun violence

News Summary

Quaverre Rogers has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter after fatally shooting Damein Hawkins outside Jerry Lee Lewis’ Café. 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’ Café 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, Rogers’ 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 Hawkins’ 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.