A woman accused of fatally shooting a man in South Memphis over a year ago has been arrested, thanks to a Crime Stoppers tip. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Jamisha Vanzandt, was apprehended in late October 2023 and faced a judge for the first time following her capture.
The case dates back to an incident at the La Paloma Apartments in South Memphis, where Vanzandt is alleged to have shot and killed the victim during a heated dispute. According to law enforcement, the shooting occurred as the victim was helping a woman move out of Apartment Number 4. A man who lived with Vanzandt was also assisting with the move.
Dispute Turns Deadly
Authorities revealed that the incident began with an argument between the victim and another man. Although the two men managed to resolve their differences, the situation escalated when Vanzandt allegedly intervened. According to an eyewitness, Vanzandt argued with the victim before raising her arm and firing multiple shots from a weapon hidden under a sheet. The victim was struck and fell to the ground, where he was pronounced dead at the scene. The tragic incident highlights the sudden and violent escalation of a conflict, with Vanzandt’s involvement turning what may have been a resolved dispute into a deadly confrontation. The investigation into the shooting continues as authorities gather further evidence.
Theft and Flight
Following the shooting, Vanzandt is accused of taking two cell phones belonging to the victim before fleeing the area. The case remained unsolved for a year until a tip led investigators to Vanzandt, resulting in her arrest.
Court Appearance
On the Thursday following her arrest, Vanzandt appeared in court to face charges of first-degree murder and robbery. Cameras captured her visibly emotional during the proceedings, where she was seen nodding and wiping away tears. She was appointed a public defender, with whom she had a brief conversation. The nature of their discussion was not disclosed.
The judge ordered Vanzandt to be held without bond, and she was escorted away in custody. A bail review hearing is scheduled for the following day, where her bond status will be reassessed.
Legal Proceedings and Community Reaction
The case has drawn significant attention due to the circumstances of the crime and the lengthy delay in apprehending the suspect. Law enforcement credited the Crime Stoppers program and the cooperation of the community for providing the crucial tip that led to Vanzandt’s capture.
Vanzandt’s next court appearance will determine whether she remains in custody as she awaits trial. Local residents and authorities are closely monitoring the case, seeking justice for the victim and closure for those affected by the tragedy.
A Yearlong Pursuit
The investigation highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in solving violent crimes, especially when suspects evade capture for extended periods. The arrest of Jamisha Vanzandt, a year after the fatal shooting, underscores the persistence of investigators and the importance of community involvement in bringing perpetrators to justice.
The victim’s identity and details about their relationship with Vanzandt remain unclear, but the case has shed light on the violent altercation that led to their death. With the suspect now in custody, prosecutors will move forward in pursuing charges against Vanzandt.
Next Steps
As the legal process unfolds, attention will turn to the outcome of the bail review and the eventual trial. For now, Vanzandt remains behind bars, facing the weight of the accusations against her. The community continues to grapple with the impact of the crime while looking to the judicial system to provide answers and accountability.
This case serves as a reminder of the critical role played by law enforcement, community tips, and legal proceedings in addressing violent crimes and seeking justice for victims.
