Jayden Moore, Malik Thompson, and a Critically-Injured Teenager Suffer Violent Gunfire Outside Cache 42 Restaurant in Memphis; One Life Lost, Two Others Hospitalized Following Parking Lot Confrontation

Young Father, Local Musician, and Teenage Bystander Caught in Harrowing Gunfire Outside Cache 42 Restaurant in Memphis; One Fatally Wounded, Two Hospitalized in Late-Night Parking Lot Ambush

Community Shaken After Parking Lot Shooting at Cache 42 in Southeast Shelby County Ends in Loss and Grief

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In a moment that shattered a Saturday evening meant for laughter, dining, and music, gunfire erupted outside Cache 42 Kitchen & Cocktails on Hacks Cross Road in Southeast Shelby County, leaving one individual fatally wounded and two others—an adult male and a teenage victim—hospitalized in critical and stable conditions. What began as a regular night out at one of Memphis’ busiest nightlife spots quickly descended into a crime scene, igniting an outpouring of grief, confusion, and community concern.

According to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), deputies were dispatched around 10:00 p.m. on Saturday evening to the 4200 block of Hacks Cross Road, responding to multiple calls reporting gunshots in the parking lot of Cache 42. Cache 42, a well-known venue that blends upscale dining with a vibrant nightlife atmosphere, was full of patrons enjoying the weekend when chaos struck just outside its doors.

When deputies arrived, they encountered a devastating scene: three individuals lying on the ground, all suffering from gunshot wounds. Bystanders were seen screaming, ducking for cover, or attempting to offer aid to the wounded, while others tried to call loved ones or record the aftermath on their phones. First responders immediately rendered emergency aid and began securing the area, treating the situation as an active crime scene. The three victims—two adult males and a teenage individual—were quickly transported to area hospitals. Despite life-saving efforts, one of the adult males succumbed to his injuries.

Victims and the Community’s Grief

Though authorities have not officially released the names of the victims at this time, family members and friends who gathered at the scene on Sunday morning described the deceased as a young father in his mid-20s, known for his infectious smile and deep ties to the community. “He wasn’t involved in anything bad. He was just here to eat, hang out with friends, and maybe dance a little,” said a close family member, whose voice trembled with emotion.

The second adult male, reported to be in his early 30s and a local musician, remains in critical but stable condition, according to medical personnel familiar with the case. Friends say he was known for performing in local clubs and had recently begun working on an album. “He brought good vibes wherever he went,” said longtime friend and bandmate Darius Montgomery. “He just came out to support a friend’s birthday gathering.”

The third victim, a teenager described by peers as quiet and respectful, is currently receiving treatment for his injuries. School officials and family members have asked for privacy as he recovers, while emphasizing that the teen was not believed to have been involved in any altercation. “He was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time,” said a spokesperson from the Shelby County School District.

Details of the Incident and Initial Investigation

Preliminary findings suggest that the shooting occurred following an altercation in the parking lot, though investigators have not confirmed whether the victims were targeted or caught in crossfire. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, along with cellphone videos circulating on social media, are now part of the official investigation.

Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. issued a public statement Sunday afternoon, promising a full-scale investigation. “The senseless violence that claimed the life of a young man and injured two others is unacceptable. We are using every available resource to identify those responsible and ensure justice is served.”

Multiple witnesses at the scene reported hearing at least five to eight gunshots, followed by a period of chaos as partygoers and patrons fled the area. “I thought it was fireworks at first,” said Katrina Ellis, who had been dining with friends inside the restaurant. “But then we saw people running inside screaming, and the music stopped. Everything just went silent for a moment before the panic began.”

Security and Public Safety Concerns

The incident has sparked renewed debate about security outside Memphis nightlife venues, especially those located in suburban corridors like Hacks Cross Road, which in recent years has become a burgeoning hub for restaurants, lounges, and clubs. Residents and business owners alike are now calling for enhanced security measures, including increased patrols on weekend nights, surveillance upgrades, and revised parking lot protocols.

“Cache 42 is a beautiful establishment. We’ve held anniversary dinners and even graduation parties there,” said Marcus Reed, president of the East Shelby Neighborhood Association. “But when the sun goes down, the entire strip becomes unpredictable. This isn’t the first time shots have been fired in this area.”

Cache 42 management released a statement via social media Sunday evening, expressing condolences to the victims and pledging full cooperation with law enforcement. “Our hearts are broken. We send our deepest sympathies to the families affected by this tragedy. The safety of our guests is our top priority, and we will work closely with local authorities to ensure incidents like this never happen again.”

Broader Impact on the Memphis Community

The shooting has left an emotional scar on a city already grappling with ongoing concerns about youth violence, firearm access, and nightlife safety. Advocacy groups like Mothers Against Gun Violence in Memphis have renewed calls for common-sense gun legislation and targeted community investment to reduce gun-related crimes.

“This isn’t just a Memphis issue, it’s an American issue,” said group founder Angela Howard, who lost her own son to gun violence in 2017. “We cannot continue to accept this as normal. Our babies—yes, our teenagers—are being wounded in places where they should feel safe: restaurants, churches, parking lots.”

The shooting also reignited conversations around curfews and youth presence at adult-oriented venues. Local leaders are now discussing possible legislation to restrict minors’ presence in nightlife zones during late-night hours unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

“We don’t want to criminalize youth,” said City Council member Jonathan Turner, “but we must be proactive. If there’s an environment that consistently results in violence, we have a responsibility to evaluate it—public safety must come first.”

A Community in Mourning, Seeking Justice

A candlelight vigil is planned for Tuesday evening at the site of the shooting, where mourners have already created a makeshift memorial adorned with candles, flowers, balloons, and handwritten notes. A framed photo of the deceased victim, placed beside a teddy bear and a handwritten sign that reads “Stop the Violence,” serves as a sobering reminder of the life lost too soon.

Faith leaders from several local congregations will join the vigil, using the moment to pray not only for the recovery of the injured but also for peace and healing throughout Memphis.

“I didn’t know him personally,” said Reverend Alton Briggs of Trinity Faith Fellowship, “but I know this—he was somebody’s child, somebody’s brother, and he mattered. His life mattered. And it ended here, in a parking lot, where it never should have.”

Call for Witnesses and Public Help

As of now, no arrests have been made, and investigators are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information—including video recordings—to come forward. The SCSO has set up a dedicated tip line and is offering a reward for information leading to identification and apprehension of the suspects involved.

“This isn’t just police work—this is community work,” said Sheriff Bonner. “We need everyone to play their part. If you saw something, say something. This family deserves closure. These victims deserve justice.”

Conclusion: A Tragic Night, a Call to Action

The shooting outside Cache 42 Kitchen & Cocktails has left an indelible mark on Memphis—a city celebrated for its culture, resilience, and sense of community. Yet, it remains a city wrestling with the real and painful consequences of gun violence. As investigations continue, one truth is unmistakable: lives were forever altered in the span of mere seconds.

For the grieving family of the young man who lost his life, for the two individuals fighting to recover, and for the countless witnesses who will never forget the sounds, sights, and terror of that night—healing will take time.

But from tragedy, there can also be resolve: resolve to make our streets safer, to support our youth, to value every human life, and to come together not only in grief but in action.