Before dawn on January 4, 2026, May Dowdy was killed inside a home on Philsdale Avenue in Memphis after what police described as a domestic argument that turned deadly. Officers arrived around 2:25–2:30 a.m. and found a chaotic, intimate scene; investigators say the person responsible was still at the residence. Raymond Lee Dowdy Sr. told police he had shot his wife during an argument. May Dowdy was found with a gunshot wound and pronounced dead at the scene, identified by police as Memphis’ first homicide of 2026.

An arrest followed at the home: Raymond Lee Dowdy Sr. was detained and charged with second-degree murder. Early reports tie the charge to the account in court documents describing the shooting during the couple’s dispute in the early morning hours. Authorities have not indicated additional suspects and the case appears focused on the husband’s arrest and evidence from inside the home. Limited public updates leave further charging decisions and court outcomes to be determined.

If anyone knew May Dowdy or has information about what happened that night, please share what can help the investigation.