Emmit Beasley, 16, was shot and killed on October 23, 2021, during a daylight funeral procession in North Memphis. Attending the funeral for a friend who had also been slain, the high school junior and Wendy’s employee was struck multiple times and died at the scene; another 16-year-old was critically injured but later survived. Witnesses and relatives described chaotic scenes as shooters fled in a black Jeep and Emmit’s mother, Chastity Graham, discovered her son on the sidewalk.

A Shelby County grand jury later indicted five people in connection with the attack: David Lee Jr., 23; Rico Lee Jr., 18; Jaden Rios, 16; Tavion Rogers, 17; and Tremayne Scales Jr., 15 at the time of indictment. Charges included first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and employment of a firearm during a dangerous felony; David Lee Jr. additionally faced a charge of being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun. Prosecutors described the incident as an ambush, alleging the defendants came from behind, knocked both victims down, and shot each at least eight times. Four of the younger defendants posted bond while David Lee Jr. remained in custody.

Emmit’s death was among 342 homicides in Memphis that year. Does anyone have information about Emmit, the funeral procession that day, or the shooting that could help clarify what happened?