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A 19-year-old Memphis teen was arrested in Arkansas after allegedly wreaking havoc in Tennessee during seemingly random acts of deadly violence against residents.
On September 7, Ezekiel Kelly reportedly went on a shooting spree while live streaming on Facebook that claimed the lives of four people and injured three others. He was apprehended around 9 pm by Memphis police after he crashed the stolen Toyota he was driving, CBS News reported.
The Memphis Police Department placed the city on lockdown after Kelly began his tirade of mayhem in the afternoon. It announced the safety measure via Twitter. Bus and city services were put on hold, and universities and public stadiums were shut down.
“UPDATE: the suspect is still at large. If you do not have to be out, stay indoors until this is resolved.”
According to Memphis police, Kelly’s victims were two men and a woman.
“At 12:56 am, officers responded to a shooting in the 3100 block of Lyndale Ave. A male, 24, was located & pronounced deceased on the scene. Five others were on the scene when the shooting occurred but were not injured. There is no suspect info at this time,” a statement read.
It continued, “At 4:35 pm, MPD responded to a shooting at 946 East Parkway South, where a male victim was located with a gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced deceased on scene.”
“At 4:36 pm, officers responded to a shooting on Norris Road near I-240 Southbound Ramp. Officers located a female victim with a gunshot wound. She was transported to ROH in critical condition.”
Another female victim reportedly was shot after Kelly carjacked the woman.
Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and Police Director Cerelyn “CJ” Davis held a press conference regarding Kelly shooting the victims.
“We extend our sincerest condolences to the victims who have been affected by the sequence of violent acts today,” Davis expressed. “We want to express our sincere appreciation to our citizens for their consideration and who provided numerous tips throughout this ordeal.”
“This is unacceptable. We should not be terrorized,” Strickland said during the press conference regarding Kelly’s recent release from prison after serving 11 months of a three-year sentence for first-degree murder that was pleaded down to an assault charge.
Memphis News 5’s Joyce Peterson shared her thoughts about the suspect and mental health.
“This man, according to MPD, killed four people at 8 crime scenes while broadcasting some of it on social media. MPD Chief Davis implores the community to contact authorities, seek help if a loved one or friend needs mental health support.”
His aunt remained anonymous and told The Sun her nephew needed “help.”
“I found out this evening. I’m shocked, just like everybody else. The only person who knows what’s going on with Ezekiel is Ezekiel. He’s got a lot of stuff going on, a lot of deaths around him. He wasn’t just going around doing something as a joke. There’s something going on with him mentally. He needs help.”
The 19-year-old teen appeared in court on Friday and is being held without bond. He faces four counts of first-degree murder.