Southeast Memphis, January 22, 2026
A tragic shooting incident occurred in southeast Memphis, resulting in the death of a 14-year-old boy. Local law enforcement is investigating the case, seeking public assistance to identify the shooter. The community is deeply affected, with residents expressing concern about rising violence among youth. As the city faces ongoing issues of gun violence, community leaders are planning meetings to discuss strategies to enhance safety and prevent future tragedies.
Memphis, Tennessee: 14-Year-Old Boy Fatally Shot in Southeast Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee – A 14-year-old boy was fatally shot in the southeast area of Memphis on January 20, 2026. The incident occurred in the early evening hours, prompting a swift response from local law enforcement.
Details of the Shooting
According to the Memphis Police Department (MPD), officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 3000 block of Valleydale Drive. Upon arrival, they discovered the young victim with multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical services transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The MPD has initiated a homicide investigation and is actively seeking information from the public to identify the perpetrator(s).
Community Response
The shooting has deeply affected the local community. Residents have expressed concern over the rising violence in the area and are calling for increased safety measures. Community leaders are organizing meetings to discuss strategies for preventing such tragedies in the future.
Background Context
Memphis has experienced a series of violent incidents involving minors in recent years. In April 2025, a two-year-old boy was killed in a shooting in the Orange Mound neighborhood. In June 2023, a 15-year-old girl was among two individuals killed in a shooting in southeast Memphis. These incidents have raised alarms about the safety of young residents and the need for effective interventions to address gun violence in the city.
Investigation and Public Appeal
The MPD is urging anyone with information about the January 20 shooting to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH. The department emphasizes the importance of community cooperation in solving these cases and bringing those responsible to justice.
Safety Measures and Community Initiatives
In response to the recent uptick in violence, local authorities are considering implementing additional safety measures, including increased patrols in high-risk areas and community outreach programs aimed at youth engagement. Collaboration between law enforcement, community organizations, and residents is seen as crucial in fostering a safer environment for all Memphis residents.
Conclusion
The tragic death of the 14-year-old boy in southeast Memphis underscores the pressing issue of gun violence affecting the city’s youth. Ongoing investigations and community efforts aim to address this challenge and prevent future incidents.
FAQ
- What happened in southeast Memphis on January 20, 2026?
- A 14-year-old boy was fatally shot in the early evening hours in the 3000 block of Valleydale Drive. He was transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The Memphis Police Department has initiated a homicide investigation and is seeking information from the public to identify the perpetrator(s).
- How has the community responded to this incident?
- Residents have expressed deep concern over the rising violence in the area and are calling for increased safety measures. Community leaders are organizing meetings to discuss strategies for preventing such tragedies in the future.
- What is the background context of gun violence involving minors in Memphis?
- Memphis has experienced a series of violent incidents involving minors in recent years. In April 2025, a two-year-old boy was killed in a shooting in the Orange Mound neighborhood. In June 2023, a 15-year-old girl was among two individuals killed in a shooting in southeast Memphis. These incidents have raised alarms about the safety of young residents and the need for effective interventions to address gun violence in the city.
- What is the Memphis Police Department doing to address this issue?
- The MPD is urging anyone with information about the January 20 shooting to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH. The department emphasizes the importance of community cooperation in solving these cases and bringing those responsible to justice.
- What safety measures and community initiatives are being considered?
- In response to the recent uptick in violence, local authorities are considering implementing additional safety measures, including increased patrols in high-risk areas and community outreach programs aimed at youth engagement. Collaboration between law enforcement, community organizations, and residents is seen as crucial in fostering a safer environment for all Memphis residents.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | 14-year-old boy fatally shot in southeast Memphis on January 20, 2026 |
| Location | 3000 block of Valleydale Drive, Memphis, Tennessee |
| Investigation | Memphis Police Department initiated a homicide investigation; seeking public assistance |
| Community Response | Residents expressing concern; community leaders organizing meetings to discuss safety measures |
| Background | Recent incidents of gun violence involving minors in Memphis, including a two-year-old killed in April 2025 and a 15-year-old girl killed in June 2023 |
| Safety Measures | Consideration of increased patrols and community outreach programs aimed at youth engagement |
Now Happening on X
- @TWTN1015 (January 20, 2026, 6:49 PM) Task force reports arrests, firearms seized, missing children found, and gang members arrested in Memphis. View on X
- @3onyourside (January 15, 2026, 7:57 PM) Task force arrests suspect in N. Highland Street apartment shooting. View on X
- @MEM_PoliceDept (January 16, 2026, 9:23 PM) Officers responded to a suspicious package on Union Avenue, with assistance from the TACT Unit Bomb Squad to ensure public safety. View on X
- @DailyMemphian (January 15, 2026, 5:00 PM) Indivisible Memphis and Free The 901 issued a statement criticizing the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s response as an escalation in Black and brown communities. View on X
- @TheTNStar (January 19, 2026, 4:07 PM) City of Memphis data shows over 6,000 arrests by local, state, and federal law enforcement since the Memphis Safe Task Force deployment on September 30. View on X
- @DavidThomasWNWS (January 20, 2026, 6:52 PM) Task force updates include arrests, firearms seized, missing children found, and gang members arrested in Memphis. View on X
- @General_Zod_19K (January 16, 2026, 6:47 PM) Memphis has seen 4,700 arrests since October, 750 illegal guns seized, and 132 missing kids found through PD partnerships with feds and guard forces. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mario Patterson Convicted for Violent Bank Robberies in Memphis
Memphis Teen Charged with Murder After Food Dispute
Memphis Shooting Leaves One Dead, One Injured in Hyde Park
Man Seriously Injured After Being Hit by Car in Memphis
Man Dies After Being Struck by Vehicle in Memphis
Tennessee Reveals New Attractions Led by Dolly Parton
Memphis Celebrates National Day of Racial Healing
Memphis Welcomes the New Year with Community Celebrations
Memphis Welcomes the New Year with Community Celebrations
Memphis Welcomes the New Year with Community Celebrations
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.
