Tragic Shooting Disrupts Candlelight Vigil for Alicia Stringfellow
A peaceful candlelight vigil held to honor the life of Alicia Stringfellow, a 38-year-old woman who recently passed away from a heart attack, turned into a nightmare on Saturday evening. The event, which was meant to celebrate Alicia’s life and support her family through a difficult time, took a tragic turn when gunfire erupted in the midst of the gathering. The vigil, located in Memphis’ Medical District, was meant to bring people together to remember Alicia, but instead, it became a scene of chaos and fear.
Chaos Erupts as Shots Are Fired
At the time of the shooting, more than 100 people had gathered at the corner of North Dunlap and Moseby. They had come to honor Alicia’s memory, to participate in a candlelight vigil, and to release balloons in her honor. The vigil was also a fundraiser to assist with her funeral expenses. However, their peaceful gathering was abruptly shattered when gunshots rang out. Initially, many in the crowd, including Alicia’s sister, Sharia, believed the sounds to be fireworks. But as the panic set in and people began running for cover, it became clear that this was no accident.
Sharia recalled the terrifying moment, saying, “I was sitting there, pregnant, just trying to figure out what’s next.” In the midst of this confusion, she noticed her children, ages 6 and 7, running away in fear. They had been close to the chaos but were not physically injured. However, the emotional trauma they experienced will likely stay with them for a long time. Sharia continued, “I didn’t register right away that it was gunshots. I just heard the bangs and then, before I knew it, I was on the ground.”
Five People Injured, One Dead
The gunfire left five people injured, including a 14-year-old child, and tragically, a 52-year-old man lost his life in the incident. The crowd, which had come together to support Alicia’s grieving family, found themselves running for their lives as the violence unfolded. Among the injured was Alicia’s boyfriend, who had been at the vigil with her to honor her memory. He remains hospitalized, fighting for his life.
Despite the severe injuries sustained by some, Sharia’s family was fortunate that none of her children were physically harmed, although the psychological impact on them is still being processed. The traumatic experience has left Sharia with many unanswered questions. She wonders why her family and their friends, who had gathered in peace, were targeted in such a violent manner.
The Search for the Shooter
Memphis police have yet to make any arrests or identify a suspect in the case. Investigators believe that the shooter was driving a gray car and are continuing to piece together the events of that night. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward, reminding the public that even the smallest detail could assist them in solving this case. A call to Crime Stoppers, where tips can be submitted anonymously, is encouraged.
As of the latest update, Memphis police have not been able to determine the motive behind the shooting. There is no indication that Alicia’s family was specifically targeted, nor is there any clear reason why the gathering was interrupted by such violence. The community has been left shaken by this senseless attack, and those involved in the vigil are now grappling with the grief of losing their loved one in such a violent and unexpected way.
Community in Shock
The community response to the tragedy has been one of shock and disbelief. Many of those who attended the vigil to pay their respects to Alicia are now left questioning how something so violent could happen in such a peaceful setting. Sharia expressed the immense pain she felt, saying, “It’s just pain on top of pain.” Not only was she mourning the loss of her sister, but now, she must also contend with the aftermath of a violent tragedy that has left its scars on everyone involved.
Alicia’s vigil, which was supposed to be a moment of peace and remembrance, will be remembered instead as a night of terror and loss. The families of the victims are now left to grieve and heal, while police continue their search for answers in a case that has devastated an entire community.
A Call for Justice
As the investigation continues, the hope remains that justice will be served. The family and friends of those impacted by the shooting are seeking answers and closure. With the police actively working to track down the shooter, the community is rallying behind those affected by this senseless act of violence. The pain and fear caused by that night will not easily fade, but the call for justice is clear, and those responsible must be held accountable.
The tragic events of Alicia Stringfellow’s vigil will forever be remembered, not just for the violence that occurred, but also for the lives that were forever changed in an instant.
