News Summary
A 15-year-old girl was critically injured in a shooting incident in Memphis, leading to the arrest of a 21-year-old man. Lorenzo Davis allegedly displayed a handgun that discharged while he was among teenagers. Victim Kennedy Gilmore has undergone surgery and faces a long recovery. Authorities have charged Davis with multiple offenses, including reckless endangerment and child neglect. The incident raises urgent concerns about gun safety and youth involvement in violence, prompting community discussions on preventive measures.
Memphis, Tennessee โ Lorenzo Davis, a 21-year-old man, was arrested on July 29, 2025, at a Taco Bell in Memphis following a reported incident where he shot 15-year-old Kennedy Gilmore in a residential neighborhood. The shooting took place on July 25, 2025, during an alleged display of a handgun to teenagers, which resulted in the weapon accidentally discharging and injuring Gilmore.
The Memphis Police Department received emergency calls reporting the shooting at approximately 10:34 PM on the day of the incident. Upon arrival, officers found Gilmore with a serious gunshot wound to the right side of her jaw. She was quickly transported to a nearby hospital and underwent surgery. As a result of her injuries, her jaw is now wired shut, significantly affecting her ability to speak and eat. Kennedy faces an extensive and painful recovery journey, which will include taking time off school and enduring continuous discomfort.
Authorities indicated that instead of assisting the injured teenager, Davis fled the scene with the handgun. Investigators have since charged him with multiple offenses including:
- Reckless aggravated assault
- Reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon
- Child abuse
- Child neglect/endangerment
- Providing handguns to juveniles
- Unlawful weapon possession
At the time of his arrest, Davis was also found to have an outstanding warrant for additional charges, which included evading arrest, domestic assault, resisting official detention, and interference with emergency calls. Notably, he had previous active warrants related to possession of a weapon on school property and failure to appear in court. Davis is currently being held on a $10,000 bond and is slated to appear in court on August 1, 2025.
Moreover, Kennedy Gilmore was able to identify Davis as the shooter in a police photo lineup, providing critical evidence for the ongoing investigation. Following her traumatic experience, Gilmoreโs aunt reported that the young girl expressed through a written message the profound and life-altering impact of being a victim of gun violence.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about gun safety and youth involvement in violent acts. Despite the retrieved weapon and arrest, the situation raises alarm regarding the accessibility of firearms among young people and the implications of irresponsible firearm handling. The Memphis community is now confronting the consequences of such incidents, emphasizing the need for preventive measures against gun violence.
As the investigation continues, both law enforcement and health officials are urging the community to engage in conversations about the risks associated with gun possession and usage, particularly among teenagers. The challenges faced by Kennedy Gilmore as she progresses through recovery reflect a broader issue that impacts families and communities nationwide.
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Additional Resources
- WREG: Police arrest suspect who owned gun that shot teen in jaw
- Google Search: gun violence teenagers
- Action News 5: Wendys manager fatally shot employees after dispute
- Google Scholar: gun violence statistics
- Fox 13 Memphis: 15-year-old girl speaks on gun violence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: gun violence
- Tennessean: Nashville police make arrest in fatal shooting
- Google News: Memphis gun violence
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.
