Charles Cicalla, a 33-year-old U.S. Army veteran who served two tours in Afghanistan, was shot and killed on December 31, 2024, at a New Year’s Eve gathering on Maple Leaf Cove in Memphis. The fatal shooting shattered his family over the holiday weekend and left the community seeking answers.

Authorities identified 43-year-old Kobie Hope as the alleged gunman and issued a warrant charging him with first-degree murder. Investigators say Hope had been released from jail five days before the killing after a judge reduced his bond to $75,000; he had been arrested December 22 on aggravated assault allegations for reportedly brandishing a gun and threatening to kill a woman who was attempting to administer CPR to two shooting victims. Cicalla’s family has publicly criticized the decision to release Hope.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office was actively searching for Hope. If anyone has information about Cicalla, the shooting on Maple Leaf Cove, or Hope’s whereabouts, please come forward.