Matthew Tariq Harper, 25, was shot and killed inside an apartment at the Stratum on Highland apartments, 510 South Highland Street in Memphis, Tennessee, on September 11, 2022. Police found Harper inside the unit and he was pronounced dead at the scene. A dispute over money and an apparent failed scam involving cashing pay stubs is described in court records as leading to an argument the night of the shooting; a witness reported hearing Harper argue with another man about money. A security guard later saw a man with an AR-style rifle and others leaving in a red sedan.

Joshua Wilson, then 22, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. During proceedings a resident, Marquisha Washington, testified that Harper accused someone of stealing his marijuana and threatened to overturn her room. Wilson, who had been staying at the apartment, told authorities he saw Harper reach for a handgun and shot him in fear for his life; he fled and later turned himself in. Wilson ultimately pleaded guilty to tampering with evidence and received supervised probation; the court noted it heard only Wilson’s account and recorded conflicting narratives of what happened.

Harper’s family described him as selfless; he was studying for a business entertainment degree at Full Sail University and made care packages for the homeless. Friends recall his music, skateboarding and photography. If anyone knew Matthew or has information about the events that night, please share what you can.