MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Farris Haley, 28, was arrested Sunday near the scene of a deadly double shooting at the Memphis Rox climbing gym in South Memphis. Haley faces charges of tampering with evidence and resisting arrest, though he has not been charged directly in connection with the shooting.
Police say both the suspect and one of the victims died in the incident after exchanging gunfire. When officers arrived at the gym on McLemore Avenue, they found two men shot and a loaded pistol nearby. Haley was reportedly near one of the victims and initially detained, but he broke free, reentered the scene, grabbed the firearm, and fled toward a waiting vehicle before being subdued by police.
One of the victims was identified as 25-year-old Jarmond Johnson, a well-known employee of the climbing gym and an avid mountain climber who had traveled extensively, including climbs in Africa and Antarctica. According to a close relative, Johnson began climbing as a way to turn his life around and was known for his calm, peaceful nature. He was expecting a child and remembered fondly for his kindness and ability to defuse conflict.
The identity of the second victim has not been released. The investigation is ongoing.