Benjamin Murrell, 44, was shot just before 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the intersection of 4th Street and Beale Street in Memphis. He was taken to Regional One Hospital in critical condition and later died of his injuries. The shooting occurred outside the main security perimeter of the Beale Street entertainment district.

A week earlier, on Sunday, July 14, Murrell had been arrested during a Memphis Police Department operation called Operation Saturday Night Live after officers responded to a call about a suspicious person. Police say he attempted to hide, fled, and tossed a handgun onto a nearby church roof. Officers reported finding marijuana, methamphetamine, and cocaine on him; the recovered firearm was determined to be stolen. He posted a $100,000 bond and was released on Wednesday, July 17, with a court date set for August 8.

No suspects or arrests have been publicly identified and police have not released a motive or detailed circumstances of the killing. If anyone was in the area that night or has information about Murrell’s activities after his release, please come forward.