In the pre-dawn hours of October 21, 2024, 48-year-old Fernando Jones was shot multiple times outside his home in the 7000 block of Cutter Mill Road in Memphis after he confronted several people attempting to break into his vehicle. He was taken to a local hospital in critical condition and later died. The shooting happened shortly before 3 a.m.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office linked the killing to a larger vehicle theft ring. A December 16, 2024 search of a residence in the 5900 block of Grosvenor Avenue recovered four stolen vehicles, eleven firearms, and over two pounds of marijuana. Eight people were arrested in connection with the ring.

Nineteen-year-old Donte Eddings was identified by investigators as one of the shooters and was charged with first-degree murder; he is also facing a diversion violation. Three others, Xavier King, Tredairious Willis, and Jakarius Ishmon, are charged with accessory after the fact, arson, and tampering with evidence for allegedly burning the getaway car. If anyone has information about Fernando Jones or the theft ring activity, please share it with Shelby County authorities.