News Summary
A first-degree murder warrant against Memphis rapper Robert Mitchell, known as YNC TraiSlime, has been retracted just one day after it was issued. Mitchell is no longer a suspect in the fatal shootout at a gas station that resulted in the death of 17-year-old Keyshun Thomas. The Memphis Police Department is now concentrating on other suspects, primarily Andre Scott, who has been charged with first-degree murder. This incident further highlights the ongoing issues of violent crime related to the local music culture.
Memphis – A warrant for first-degree murder against Memphis rapper Robert Mitchell, also known as YNC TraiSlime, was retracted just one day after it was issued. The Memphis Police Department (MPD) announced on Thursday that the 23-year-old artist is no longer considered a suspect in a fatal shootout that occurred at a gas station.
The shootout took place on May 18 at a gas station located on Range Line Road in the Frayser area of Memphis, resulting in the death of 17-year-old Keyshun Thomas. Witnesses reported that Thomas was killed during an exchange of gunfire while he attempted to intervene in a robbery. Andre Scott, who is also known by his stage name Boo Two Gunz, was one of three men involved in the incident. Scott and the other suspects allegedly stole a man’s gun before the deadly confrontation ensued.
Investigators were able to establish a connection to Scott through physical evidence, as his fingerprints were discovered on a Sprite case left at the crime scene. This evidence led to Scott’s arrest, and he has since been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Thomas’s death. Despite the initial warrant issued for Mitchell, he was never taken into custody, indicating that law enforcement’s suspicions were alleviated shortly after they materialized.
On Wednesday, prior to the retraction of the murder warrant, Mitchell took to social media to dispel rumors about being incarcerated. He posted two images on his Instagram account featuring a plane wing and a city skyline, as well as a palm tree, which suggested he was enjoying freedom. When a follower questioned whether he was in jail, Mitchell teased them with a comment that insinuated otherwise.
Following the decision to withdraw the warrant against Mitchell, the MPD stated that it has shifted its attention to two additional suspects connected to the gas station shooting. Initially, investigators were actively pursuing a third suspect, but this has since changed. The police have classified the shooting incident as a case of criminal homicide; however, they clarified that Thomas was not involved in the robbery but rather a victim trying to aid another.
Scott, who is currently facing charges related to the incident, has a documented criminal history. He was arrested in 2022 for attempting murder, as well as other offenses linked to stolen vehicles and firearms. In contrast, Mitchell’s criminal record includes multiple arrests related to stolen cars, one notably involving an attempt to sell a vehicle back to its original owner.
This case is emblematic of the troubling trend of violent crime tied to local rap artists in Memphis. The MPD’s ongoing investigation highlights the prevalence of such incidents and raises questions about the influence of the music culture in the area.
The community remains on edge as law enforcement continues to search for the additional suspects involved. The swift retraction of the murder warrant against Mitchell emphasizes the complexities surrounding the investigation and the rapid developments that can occur in cases of violent crime. As the situation unfolds, the Memphis community watches closely, hoping for justice for the victims and answers about the increasing violence that has become a significant concern.
The investigation into the gas station shooting continues, with police urging anyone with information to come forward. As they work to resolve this case, the impact of crime on both the local community and the music scene remains a central topic of concern and discussion.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 Memphis: Memphis Rapper No Longer Considered Suspect
- Fox 13 Memphis: Memphis Rapper Arrested In Deadly Gas Station Shootout
- Commercial Appeal: Sayso P, Sauce Walka Downtown Memphis Shooting
- People: Rapper Sauce Walka Recovering Following Targeted Shooting
- Action News 5: MPD Identifies Both Victims of Downtown Shooting
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
- Google Search: Memphis rap violence
