There are flashflood warnings today.

from my email box:

The following separate statements were issued this afternoon by Larry A. Godwin, director of the Memphis Police Department, and by Dr. Shirley C. Raines, president of the University of Memphis. Both pertain to the Sept. 30th shooting death of U of M student and athlete Taylor Bradford.



Memphis Police Department Media Release
October 8, 2007

ARREST IN MURDER OF TAYLOR BRADFORD



On Sunday, September 30, 2007 at 9:47pm University of Memphis Police responded to the scene of a traffic crash on Zach Curlin south of Central. When the officer approached the driver of the vehicle they determined that he had been shot. The victim, Taylor Bradford, 21 was transported to the MED where he was pronounced deceased. The investigation into the incident has lead to the arrest of three individuals.



»DaeShawn Tate, 21

»Victor Trezevant, 21

»Courtney Washington, 22



These three perpetrators have been charged with murder in perpetration of attempted aggravated robbery. The investigation revealed that the three suspects went to the Carpenter complex on Sunday with the specific intent to rob Taylor Bradford and during this attempted robbery shot him.



This murder/robbery is still under investigation and we expect to charge a least one more person in connection with this matter. None of the suspects charged thus far are students at the University of Memphis.



The investigation into this incident has been lead by the Memphis Police Homicide unit with cooperation of University of Memphis Campus Police, OCU/CAT, Project Safe Neighborhoods, Safe Streets Task Force and members of various units within the Memphis Police Department. Shelby County Sheriff’s personnel aided in the capture of one of the suspects. Crime Stoppers processed many tips during this investigation and tips from our citizens aided in the resolution of this case.





Dr. Raines’ statement:



Although this has been a tragic and trying week for the University of Memphis and the entire community, we are pleased that these arrests have been made swiftly. As we all know, the criminal justice system must still weigh in on the final judgment of this matter, but these arrests do confirm the original belief that this was a targeted attack, and not a random act of violence. We want to thank those of our students and members of the community who came forward to help with this investigation. The University will continue to work with the Memphis Police Department as this matter continues.



Shirley C. Raines

President