A man of deep and abiding faith, Charles Edward Dunlap Jr. was known for his warm personality and commitment to his church community. Born on August 15, 1984, he embraced his faith at the age of 15, becoming a devoted member of the Greater St. Thomas Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee. His life was one guided by his beliefs, and he was a beloved figure to his family and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His journey, however, was tragically and violently cut short when he was just 35 years old.
On Saturday, April 25, 2020, Charles, an African American man, was killed by gunfire in Memphis. The specific details surrounding the time and location of the fatal shooting have not been released to the public. What is known is that his death was ruled a homicide, another life lost to the gun violence that plagued the city. His passing left his loved ones in a state of profound grief, searching for answers and a sense of justice that has remained elusive. His funeral service was held at Serenity Funeral Home, where family and friends gathered to mourn the devastating loss.
The year 2020 was a particularly violent one for the city of Memphis. It set a grim record for homicides, with a total of 332 people losing their lives by the year's end. This marked a significant increase from previous years and placed a heavy burden on communities and law enforcement. Officials at the time pointed to a combination of factors, including the social and economic stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic, as potential contributors to the spike in violence. The Memphis Police Department found itself investigating an unprecedented number of killings, Charles's among them.
The investigation into the murder of Charles Dunlap Jr. is being handled by the Memphis Police Department. In the years that have passed since his death, there has been little public movement in the case. No suspects have been named, no persons of interest have been identified, and no arrests have been made. The case remains open but unsolved, one of many that leave families waiting indefinitely for closure. The silence and lack of progress have been a source of continuous pain for Charles's loved ones.
For those who knew and loved him, the absence of legal resolution does not diminish the memory of the man they lost. They remember Charles for the positive impact he made during his life, his devout faith, and the warmth he shared with those around him. His family continues to hope that the truth will one day come to light and that those responsible for his death will be held accountable.
As of late 2025, the investigation into the homicide of Charles E. Dunlap Jr. remains ongoing. Authorities have consistently urged anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward. The lack of answers has left a void in the lives of his family and friends, who continue to grieve and seek justice for a life taken far too soon.
