19 November 2023 , 11:22
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The suspect in a shooting that left three women and a girl dead has been found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gun wound, police said. Mavis Christian Jr. was reportedly found inside the white Chevrolet Malibu he was driving in Memphis, Tenessee, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
It comes following the shootings at three locations in Memphis that left three women and a teenage girl dead and critically wounded another teen girl. Memphis Police Department officers responded to a report of a shooting at 9:22 p.m. local time at a Memphis home. Police found a woman with an apparent gunshot wound who was pronounced dead at the scene.
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An emergency warning letter has been issued to citizens of MemphisInvestigators determined there were two other connected fatal shootings. At Field Lark Drive, a woman and a 13-year-old girl were killed and a 15-year-old girl was critically wounded. Another woman was found fatally shot on Warrington Road, Memphis Police Officer Christopher Williams said.
Police believed Christian was responsible for all three shootings and began a search involving local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Each of the shootings was believed to be a domestic violence situation, the police said.
Then, early on Sunday morning, officers found Christian in his car with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound and pronounced him dead at the scene. Memphis Police said in a statement: "On November 19, 2023, at 3:31 a.m., officers located who is believed to be the suspect, Mavis Christian Jr., inside the white Chevrolet Malibu in the 3000 Block of Alta Road, suffering from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased on the scene."
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They added: "Through the collaborative effort between law enforcement, the community, and the media, the suspect was located quickly without the additional loss of lives. Thanks to our local, state, and federal partners who assisted in investigating and locating this suspect. We appreciate your cooperation and assistance."
Memphis has endured several shooting incidents this month. St. Jude researcher, Alexander Bulakhov was fatally shot in downtown Memphis. Bulakhov, 32, was discovered by police bleeding from a gunshot wound. After being taken to Regional One Health, he died from his wounds soon after.
Two people were taken into custody by Memphis police less than twenty-four hours later: Marious Ward, 23, and Brandy Rucker, 22. Bulakhov's killing led to the two being charged with first-degree murder. Court documents state Bulakhov was out for a walk with his wife and two-year-old when Ward, wearing ripped jeans, a hoodie and ski mask, brandished a gun, waving it in the air, according to Commercial Appeal.
The researcher handed Ward his wallet, which wasn't enough. Documents assert Ward pointed the firearm at Bulakhov's wife, demanding he give him for valuables. The two descended into a scuffle, causing Ward's gun to go off and hit Bulakhov. He quickly fled the scene in his white Toyota Camry.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of a valued member of the St. Jude community," St. Jude said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with Alexander’s family and we are working to support them during this difficult time."