On the evening of March 13, 2025, a burst of gunfire in the 200 block of Chelsea Avenue in North Memphis left Deonte’ Reed dead from gunshot wounds. Police also found an unidentified woman at the scene with a gunshot injury. The Memphis Police Department opened an investigation and identified two suspects in connection with the shooting.

Warrants were issued charging Taylor McKinney, 22, and Damarrius Mathis, 20, with first-degree murder and aggravated robbery. Both men were later taken into custody: Taylor McKinney was arrested on April 30, 2025, at a residence in the 5900 block of Hickory Hill Square with bond set at $1,000,000; Damarrius Mathis was arrested on May 27, 2025, at a home in the 6000 block of Black Raven Drive. Both were transported to the Shelby County Jail to face the charges.

Anyone with information about the shooting or who knew Deonte’ Reed is asked to share what they know with investigators.