News Summary
A shooting at Tequila Town Bar in Northeast Memphis has left one woman critically injured and led to criminal charges against a husband and wife. Jose Montoya, 27, and his wife Judith Ramirez, 26, face charges including criminal attempt first-degree murder and vandalism after a violent confrontation on Sunday morning. The incident escalated when Montoya was removed from the bar and later returned with a firearm, resulting in both him and a security guard exchanging gunfire. Authorities have linked the couple to the crime and are investigating community safety concerns.
Northeast Memphis Bar Shooting: Couple Charged After Incident Leaves One Critically Injured
NE Memphis, TN – A shooting at Tequila Town Bar on N. White Station Road early Sunday morning has resulted in criminal charges against a husband and wife, following a violent confrontation that left one woman in critical condition.
Jose Montoya, 27, and his wife Judith Ramirez, 26, were taken into custody and charged with criminal attempt first-degree murder, vandalism, and employment of a firearm with intent. The shooting occurred just before 1 a.m. when Montoya was reported to be behaving aggressively inside the establishment, prompting the bar owner to ask a security guard to intervene.
As the situation escalated, the security guard attempted to defuse the tension by asking Montoya to calm down. However, Montoya’s reaction was aggressive, ultimately resulting in his removal from the bar alongside Ramirez. As they exited, Montoya allegedly stated, โY’all done f*** up now,โ indicating an intention to retaliate.
Following their removal, Ramirez told law enforcement that Montoya went to their vehicle, retrieved a firearm, and opened fire on the security guard, who returned fire in self-defense. Reports indicate that Montoya reloaded his weapon multiple times during the incident. In the chaos, a woman sustained critical injuries and required hospitalization, while several parked vehicles in the vicinity were struck by gunfire.
Authorities later located the couple’s vehicle on Josibpet Lane and discovered spent shell casings at the scene, suggesting a significant exchange of gunfire. Both Montoya and Ramirez were questioned by police. Montoya chose to remain silent during the interrogation, while Ramirez provided conflicting accounts of the incident.
After obtaining a search warrant, investigators recovered a firearm from the couple’s residence, further linking them to the tragic events of that night. Montoya has been assigned a bond of $250,000, while Ramirez’s bond is set at $300,000.
Community Concern and Increased Security Measures
The shooting incident has raised alarm among local residents, who expressed concerns regarding safety in the area. Community members noted that the unpredictability of violence is becoming a pressing issue. The Memphis Restaurant Association has also highlighted a troubling trend, reporting a rise in violent incidents outside restaurants. As a response, some restaurant owners are considering enhancing security measures in hopes of ensuring safety for their patrons and staff.
Background Context
Tequila Town Bar, like many nightlife venues, often attracts a diverse crowd, but incidents of violence can occur unexpectedly. The factors leading to such escalating confrontations can be challenging to predict, as demonstrated by this recent event. Local authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, focusing on adding safeguards to potentially prevent future incidents and protect the community.
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Additional Resources
- WREG: Shooting in North Memphis Leaves 1 Injured
- Fox13: Husband & Wife Arrested After Northeast Memphis Shooting
- Action News 5: Woman Shot in Head During Restaurant Shootout
- Fox13: Man Injured in Hyde Park Shooting Later Dies
- Action News 5: Man Dies After Being Shot by Memphis Police Officer
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
- Google Search: Memphis shooting statistics
- Google Scholar: Gun violence in the USA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Violence
- Google News: Memphis shooting
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.
