MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis Police have taken into custody 22-year-old Yahir Mejia, charging him with second-degree murder related to a deadly shooting that occurred inside Wolfchase Galleria on Monday.
Authorities report that the incident started when Mejia and his girlfriend were at Village Mart shopping and encountered the victim, Erik Sandoval. Mejia alleges that a dispute broke out, during which Sandoval reportedly struck him, leading Mejia to discharge his firearm three times. Mejia asserts that the shooting was an act of self-defense, declaring, “Don’t ever put your hands on me or my baby mama.”
Nonetheless, investigators examined surveillance footage that contradicts Mejia’s assertion of self-defense.
Following the shooting, Mejia went back home, where members of the Memphis Safe Task Force engaged with his mother. After a short pursuit on foot, he was apprehended. At one point during the event, Mejia went live on Facebook, expressing his intention to surrender, stating, “I didn’t want to turn myself in but… they’re already at both my houses.”
Mejia is set to appear for arraignment regarding the murder charge on Wednesday.
In an official statement, Memphis Police commended the teamwork that facilitated his arrest: “Yesterday’s apprehension showcased the commitment of the Memphis Police Department, our federal allies with the Memphis Safe Task Force, and our Homicide Investigators to remove violent criminals from our community. Their efforts ensured that this suspect was identified and arrested promptly. Our dedication to safeguarding our city is unwavering, and we will persist in our daily work to create a Stronger, Safer Memphis.”
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