James Michael Presgrove, 31, was killed in Memphis in the early hours of August 5, 2024. Known as Mikie, he worked as a mechanic and diesel technician and was remembered for his generosity, love of family — including his young son, Jacob Michael Presgrove, and partner Jessica Jennings — and an unusual habit of rescuing and raising wild animals such as squirrels, raccoons and a fox.

Police responded to reports of gunfire near an Extended Stay hotel on American Way and found several bullet casings in the parking lot. A short time later a crashed, burning vehicle was found in a nearby wooded area; Presgrove’s body was inside. The case was classified a homicide, and his family said his remains were too badly damaged for an open-casket funeral.

Authorities arrested 22-year-old Isiah Jones and charged him with first-degree murder. Surveillance footage is reported to show a male suspect firing at Presgrove’s vehicle and then pursuing him to where the car crashed and burned; court papers indicate the suspect had checked into the hotel the day before. Presgrove’s family says they remain without answers about motive and want better communication as the case moves forward.

Did anyone see activity near the Extended Stay on American Way the night of August 4–5 that could help explain what happened?