This story has been updated to reflect that two of the teens are facing charges. One teen was released without charges.
UPDATE: According to MPD, a group of teens that were involved in a carjacking and police chase in Berclair Tuesday morning have been connected to the events surrounding the death of Rev. Dr. Autura Eason-Williams.
A 15-year-old boy was charged in the pastor’s death with first-degree murder, murder in perpetration of a robbery, especially aggravated robbery, carjacking, and employment of a firearm during a dangerous felony.
A 16-year-old boy was charged with theft of property $2,500-$10,000.
A 17-year-old boy was released without charges.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.– A pastor was killed during a carjacking outside of her Whitehaven home Monday afternoon.
Police say officers responded to a shooting on Whitehaven Lane after 4 p.m.
The victim, later identified as Rev. Dr. Autura Eason-Williams, was transported to the hospital where she later died from her injuries.
“This is a very sad day in the Whitehaven community,” said City Councilwoman Patrice Robinson.
Police Chief CJ Davis said in a press conference Monday that police had juveniles in custody as persons of interest in the case.
She asked the community to come forward with more information.
Williams was the district superintendent of Tennessee Western Kentucky Conference United Methodist Church and former pastor of Capleville United Methodist.
“Incidents like these should make everyone have sleepless nights. It should make everyone have feelings of hurt and pain” CJ Davis said.
Williams leaves behind a husband and four children.
Police say the suspects were three males in a 4-door hatchback.
“We’re hurting,” Pastor Martin Mccain said, “and so we need your support to continue to pray with us at the church.”
If you have any information, call Crime Stoppers at (901)-528-CASH.
