MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Kenneth Malone has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and aggravated robbery after a drug deal gone wrong resulted in a shooting death.
On Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, officers responded to a shooting incident in front of a residence on West Burdock Avenue. Upon arrival, they found a man in the driver’s seat of a silver 2016 Chevrolet Camaro suffering from a gunshot wound to the back. Despite efforts to save him, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to an affidavit, investigators learned from the victim’s cousin that a drug deal had been arranged via Facebook to take place in front of the home. The victim, seated in his car, was confronted by two men who approached in a silver Nissan Sentra. One suspect entered the passenger side of the Camaro, while the second man, standing outside, pointed a gun at the victim and demanded, “Give me everything you got,” before grabbing a bag the victim was holding.
A struggle over the bag ensued, which led to the suspect firing two shots into the Camaro. The victim attempted to flee, crashing the vehicle into a pole on West Burdock Avenue near Swift Street. The suspects then drove away in the Nissan Sentra.
A CrimeStoppers tip provided investigators with the identities of the suspects involved. Malone and another man were later identified in a 6-person lineup. The second suspect’s name has not been released, and it is unclear whether he faces any charges.
Malone now faces serious charges, including first-degree murder and aggravated robbery. His arrest has brought some closure to the case, but further investigation may reveal additional details about the circumstances surrounding the fatal drug deal.
