MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis’ chief of police urged everyone in Memphis to stay home if possible Wednesday night, following the shooting death of Memphis rapper Young Dolph at a store on Airways.
“We strongly encourage everyone to stay home if you do not have to be out,” Chief CJ Davis said in a news conference at 6:30 p.m.
Davis said extra officers would be patrolling certain areas of the city overnight.
Several local leaders have called for a citywide curfew Wednesday night to prevent possible retaliation or unrest. Davis said a curfew was not being ruled out in the future, but she felt the extra officers would offer enough protection Wednesday that a curfew would not be needed.
Earlier Wednesday, Davis released a statement on the shooting at Makeda’s Butter Cookies in South Memphis at 2370 Airways Boulevard, where rapper Young Dolph was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon.
On November 17, 2021, at 12:24 pm, Memphis Police Officers responded to the scene of a shooting at 2370 Airways. One male victim was located and was pronounced dead at the scene. No suspect info is available at this time.
The preliminary information indicates that the victim is Adolph Robert Thornton Jr. However, this information will be confirmed once the identification process has been completed.
The shooting is another example of the senseless gun violence we are experiencing locally and nationwide. Our hearts go out to the Thornton family and all who are affected by this horrific act of violence.
The men and women of the Memphis Police Department are committed to working with our community to curb these types of incidents. We are also dedicated to bringing those responsible for today’s shooting to justice. We encourage anyone with any information on this incident to call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.
Chief CJ Davis
Shelby County Board of Commissioners’ Chairman Willie F. Brooks, Jr stated:
“The death of Memphis Rapper Young Dolph hit home for me. It’s another senseless death in my hometown. Gun violence is rampant in our city and county and the state law that allows individuals to carry guns without a permit isn’t helping. I ask our community to continue to pray for this young man’s family and for our community. This is only one incident in many that impacts not just one family, but our community as a whole.”
State Representative Dwayne Thompson also released a statement on the tragic shooting:
“I am saddened by the tragic murder of Young Dolph today. While I did not know him personally, his devoted parents live in my neighborhood and my heart goes out to them along with the rest of his family, his friends and fans. Young Dolph was an icon to many, not just for his talent, but as one who gave back to his community. It’s heartbreaking to hear of his passing, along with all the other victims of senseless gun violence plaguing our community. “
Senator Katrina Robinson stated:
Young Dolph was not just a rapper. He was a family man- someone’s son, someone’s husband, someone’s father, someone’s friend. Dolph was a valuable asset to the Memphis community – modeling what individual success should mean to the city. His work shone a spotlight on our city across the world and he remained committed to supporting an contributing to his city, even leading up to today’s tragedy. I hope that this heartbreaking tragedy serves as the catalyst for us all to do something about the senseless violence that plagues our city.
Raising a Black son in Memphis is to live in constant fear that one day he won’t return home.
The violence that constantly plagues our community is senseless and heartbreaking. It must end NOW. Memphis is on pace to see a murder rate equivalent to 1 homicide per day. We must act immediately to end this relentless genocide. We need all elected officials including our mayor, law enforcement officials, community leaders, school leaders, and THE COMMUNITY to come together to formulate and execute a plan to finally turn this around. Our city is hurting and will continue to until we invest in solutions that help address the many issues that lead to days like this.
My prayers and thoughts are with Dolph’s wife, Mia, his family, friends, and team.
Congressman Steve Cohen released the following statement:
“I am saddened by another pointless death by gun violence in Memphis and express my condolences to all those who knew Young Dolph and who were fans of his music. Gun violence must be stopped, and young lives protected from such senseless violence. I remain a staunch advocate for reasonable reforms.”
