McKenzie Beal was killed on December 6, 2025, inside a home on Fairoaks Avenue in the Heights area of Memphis after an argument over missing money escalated into gunfire. Police say the dispute began when Beal accused John Whitten of stealing money from her grandmother. During the confrontation, Beal and her boyfriend were drawn into the altercation; a witness told investigators that Whitten pulled out a gun and shot Beal in the torso.

Beal was taken to a hospital but did not survive. Officers located Whitten shortly after the shooting; police say he admitted hiding the gun in a bush, and he was identified as the suspect and charged with second-degree murder and possessing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. Reports noted no bond had been set at the time.

If anyone witnessed the incident on Fairoaks Avenue or has information about the events leading up to the shooting, please share what is known.