Memphis, January 5, 2026

An 88-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder in the first homicide case of the year in Memphis. The incident occurred during the early hours, when police responded to a shooting call and discovered a deceased woman in East Memphis. The suspect, who was in a relationship with the victim, is currently held without bond as authorities continue their investigation into the matter. This tragic event comes amidst a notable decrease in crime rates in Memphis over the past year.

Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis Police Charge 88-Year-Old Man with First Homicide of 2026

On January 4, 2026, Memphis police arrested 88-year-old Raymond Dowdy, charging him with second-degree murder following the death of a woman in East Memphis. This incident marks the city’s first homicide of the year.

At approximately 2:30 a.m. on January 4, officers responded to a shooting call in the 3800 block of Philsdale Avenue. Upon arrival, they found a woman who was pronounced dead at the scene. Dowdy, who was in a relationship with the victim, was taken into custody and charged with second-degree murder. He is currently held in the Shelby County Jail without bond.

This case is under active investigation, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the ongoing inquiry.

In light of recent statistics, Memphis experienced a significant decline in crime rates throughout 2025, with a notable decrease in homicides. The Memphis Police Department reported a 26% decrease in murders, a 48% reduction in carjackings, and a 31% drop in robberies. These improvements were attributed to various initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety.

Despite these advancements, the recent homicide underscores ongoing challenges Memphis faces in ensuring community safety. The police department continues to implement strategic initiatives to address violent crime and maintain public order, illustrating the complexities involved in community safety.

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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.