On July 9, 2011, 29-year-old Bari Graham was shot to death during a violent home invasion at his apartment in the Frayser area of Memphis, Tennessee. Two armed men with their faces covered entered while Graham was there with another person, demanded money, and shot Graham before taking a small amount of cash and fleeing.

Investigators focused on suspects linked to a gang called FAM Mob. Witnesses told police that Gerrell Rufus and Michael Holmes had discussed planning a robbery for money and drugs, spoke about the incident afterward, and admitted guilt upon returning to a nearby apartment. The murder weapon was recovered and witness testimony and forensic evidence were presented at trial, though some witnesses were reluctant to testify out of fear.

Prosecutors concluded the shooting resulted from a robbery tied to gang activity and the case was considered solved.