MEMPHIS, Tenn. — One person was killed and 10 were injured early Sunday after a pair a shooting in Tennessee that police believe are connected, according to a news release from the Memphis Police Department (MPD) posted on Twitter.
There are three people of interest that MPD say they would like to speak to. Anyone with information is asked to call 901-528-CASH with tips.
One is believed by MPD to be injured and needing medical attention.
Still, police said they do not know what led to the shooting or whether the shooter knew the victims. They said they do not yet have a solid description of the shooter or shooters.
Police responded to a shooting at Live Lounge on East Shelby Drive at 12:43 a.m., according to the release. Two victims were transported to the hospital in critical condition. Five others with less serious injuries went to area hospitals in private vehicles.
While police were on the scene, they were notified of more shooting victims about a mile away at Shelby Drive and Boeingshire Drive. At that scene, one male victim was pronounced dead and three other victims were transported to the hospital in critical condition, according to police.
For the Whitehaven community, it was a long and difficult day. Witnesses and community advocates were trying to find out what happened and how to move forward.
“It went on rapidly, like it stopped for a few minutes and then it started up again,” said Kaila Smith when describing what she heard Sunday morning, “After that it just stopped and all you hear is sirens.”
The chaotic moments just a little more than a mile apart, left several in Whitehaven distraught and outraged.
“Like there are kids here, that come by here, my son plays with his friends by the bus right here. It shouldn’t be like this,” said Samuel Thornton Hawkins Sr.
“It’s unfortunate no matter how many people were involved,” said Pearl Walker, Exec. Dir. I Love Whitehaven Neighborhood and Business Association. Walker has lived in the Whitehaven community for years and has always wanted the best for the community. She says what happened is far from the norm for Whitehaven, nor what the community represents. Walker is now urging those concerned citizens to make their voices heard to lawmakers at all levels.
“Let them know how you feel. If you feel afraid, let them know you feel afraid, if you’re concerned about your safety, however you feel about this situation and others, let them know,” said Walker.
There continue to be other efforts to use this incident to turn the tide of violence. Jason Sharif with "Respect the Haven" tells ABC24 the organization is working to create a crime and public safety work group to cup up with new solutions to cut down crime. Sharif adds this will most likely be created once "Respect the Haven" sets up office in Southland Mall.
This is a developing story. This article will be updated when more information is available.