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Murder suspect captured by U.S. Marshals, deputies in Cordova

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man wanted for second-degree murder was captured in Cordova Wednesday morning, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.

On September 7, 2022, homes and businesses across the Mid-South went into full lockdown the night police say Ezekiel Kelly went on a rampage, indiscriminately shooting at people from Southaven to North Memphis.


Corteria McKinnie (Facebook photo)

The same night, Corteria McKinnie, 17 was shot in her car at the Royal King Grocery on West Raines Road, police said. She later died at the hospital.

Police originally said McKinnie was killed by Kelly. Kelly was arrested and charged with killing three people and injuring four others.

However, MPD released surveillance video from outside the convenience store where the shooting happened and updated their information, saying Kelly was not involved.

Police developed Diego Glay, 24, as the suspect.

Around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, the U.S. Marshals Task Force and Shelby County Sheriff said they developed information that Glay was in the Vale Apartment Complex in Cordova.

Authorities said a K-9 on the U.S. Marshals Task Force found Glay hiding in a second floor bedroom closet. He was arrested without incident.

Glay does not have a criminal history in Shelby County, according to online records.

Relatives of McKinnie’s said they were grateful someone is in custody from a night that left so many in fear.

McKinnie’s mother Denise Thomas sent this message to WREG: “It’s a very emotional phase for me right now. I’m so full of joy about the arrest of the guy that brought so much pain to me and my family. These days have been a rollercoaster. Some days I can be strong. Some days I’m very weak. I want him to know he left a huge impact of sorrow on me and my family. Corteria’s siblings are lost without their big sister. My mom suffer with heart problems behind this. Certain places I can’t go because it reminds me too much of my baby! He has brought so much trauma to my mental health. Not a day or hour that goes by that I don’t think about my baby. My world is shattered into pieces. I wish ALL the SENSELESS violence go away so mothers won’t have to feel this agony. It’s too much for one to bare. I want to thank whomever called and turned him in from the bottom of my heart. I want them to know the joy and peace they brought me and my family. I also want to thank the U.S. Marshalls that acted fast to apprehend Diego Glay. Also, I want to encourage anyone to do the same thing if they know someone who’s walking freely that has taken the lives of a child or someone else love one. Give other mothers the same peace and closure. Bring these hurting families justice. I want my city to start standing for something so they will know we not falling for anything.”

We reached out the Glay’s attorney Thursday and he told us it’s too early in the case to comment.