Tragedy Strikes Parkway Village: One Dead, Seven Injured in Devastating Shooting Outside The Mexican Spot Restaurant in Memphis — Community in Mourning as Families Await Answer 

A devastating act of gun violence shattered lives late Saturday night in the Parkway Village neighborhood of Memphis, leaving one person dead and seven others injured after a gathering among friends turned into a tragic shooting outside a popular local restaurant. The attack has left families grieving, a community shaken, and urgent questions unanswered as police continue to investigate.

A Night of Celebration Turns to Tragedy

What began as a night of companionship and community at The Mexican Spot — a vibrant and familiar gathering place for many local residents — quickly descended into chaos just before midnight on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Around 11:30 p.m., Memphis Police Department officers were dispatched to the intersection of Perkins Road and Cottonwood Road, following multiple reports of gunfire.

The incident unfolded both inside and outside the restaurant, which sits adjacent to a Sonic Drive-In in a well-trafficked area of Parkway Village. Authorities confirmed that the shooting stemmed from an argument among a group of Hispanic friends who had been socializing at the venue. Witnesses say the conflict, which began verbally, escalated rapidly into a violent outburst, ending in bloodshed.

The Victims: One Life Lost, Seven More Forever Changed

Although the Memphis Police Department has not released the names of those involved pending family notification, they have confirmed the toll of the shooting:

• One individual was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses say this victim had suffered fatal injuries before emergency medical personnel could intervene. The victim is believed to have been in his late 20s or early 30s.
• Seven others were wounded by gunfire, each sustaining injuries of varying severity:
  • One victim was shot in the neck and remains in critical condition.
  • Another was struck in the face and chest and underwent emergency surgery.
  • A third suffered gunshot wounds to the ribs and is being monitored closely by medical staff.
  • A bystander, who was reportedly uninvolved in the initial altercation, was shot in the leg while attempting to flee the scene.
  • The conditions of the other three injured individuals have not been made public, though authorities describe several as “critically wounded.”

All injured victims were rushed to nearby hospitals, including Regional One Health Medical Center and Methodist University Hospital, where trauma teams are working tirelessly to stabilize them.

Witnesses Describe Moments of Terror

A private security guard assigned to monitor the restaurant’s lot was one of the first to call 911. He reported hearing a heated argument erupt among a group of patrons, followed by a sudden exchange of gunfire. Multiple patrons and bystanders, including families at the Sonic Drive-In and nearby establishments, were seen running for cover as shots rang out.

“I just heard people yelling — then a pop, pop, pop,” said one witness who asked to remain anonymous. “I hit the ground and crawled under a car. When I got up, I saw a man on the ground not moving.”

Videos shared on social media appear to capture some of the chaos, though Memphis Police have asked the public not to circulate footage that could compromise the investigation or show victims in vulnerable states.

Law Enforcement and Investigative Efforts

Memphis Police have confirmed that no arrests have been made at this time. Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage from both The Mexican Spot and surrounding businesses, as well as interviewing witnesses who were present.

Detectives are working to determine how many individuals were involved in the shooting and whether the incident was spontaneous or premeditated. Officials have not ruled out the possibility that more than one firearm was used.

Anyone with information, photos, or videos relevant to the investigation is urged to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH. Tipsters may remain anonymous, and any detail — no matter how small — may help bring clarity to what happened and justice to those affected.

The Grieving Families and a Community on Edge

For the families of the victims, the events of April 26 are a nightmare from which they cannot wake. Relatives of the deceased have been notified, and grief counselors have been made available by local nonprofits and faith-based organizations.

“This is every mother’s worst fear,” said one woman who identified herself as the aunt of one of the injured victims. “He went out with friends to relax — now he’s in the ICU fighting for his life. We just want answers. We want peace.”

Local clergy and community leaders have called for unity and healing. A vigil is being organized at Parkway Village Park in remembrance of the victims, tentatively scheduled for Wednesday evening.

Context: A Pattern of Violence

Saturday’s tragedy is part of a troubling pattern of gun violence in Memphis and other urban communities across the United States. Parkway Village, a historically working-class neighborhood with deep cultural roots, has seen a rise in gun-related incidents in recent years, driven by complex issues including economic hardship, limited access to mental health resources, and the proliferation of illegal firearms.

City officials, including Memphis Mayor Paul Young, issued statements condemning the violence and urging citizens to assist police.

“We are devastated by the loss of life and the injuries inflicted in Parkway Village,” said Mayor Young. “My heart is with the families of those affected. We must work together — as neighbors, community members, and leaders — to stop these senseless acts and ensure our city is a place where everyone can feel safe.”

Community Response and Healing

Following the shooting, local organizations including Mothers of Murdered Sons & Daughters, Memphis Gun Down, and Latinos Unidos por Memphis have mobilized to support families affected by the tragedy. These groups are offering counseling, legal support, and assistance with funeral arrangements.

“Our mission is to be present in pain,” said Erika Mendoza, director of Latinos Unidos. “We don’t just advocate after a tragedy. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our families, and right now, they are suffering.”

Several GoFundMe pages have already been launched by relatives of the victims, seeking help with medical expenses and burial costs.

A Call for Peace and Prevention

While investigators continue to comb through evidence, Parkway Village residents and civic leaders are demanding action — not just justice for this incident, but long-term strategies to prevent future violence. Suggestions include:

• Increased funding for community-based violence intervention programs.
• Better security infrastructure at popular nightlife venues.
• Mediation services and youth outreach in underserved neighborhoods.
• Expanded access to mental health and substance use resources.

“We can’t police our way out of this,” said activist Tyrell Freeman, who has been working with Memphis youth for over a decade. “We need prevention, not just punishment. We need hope, not more fear.”

In Memory and Solidarity

As this story continues to unfold, one fact remains heartbreakingly clear: lives have been irrevocably altered. One young person’s life was cut short. Seven others now face long and difficult roads to recovery — physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

The Parkway Village community, often overlooked and underserved, is once again left to pick up the pieces. But in the wake of heartbreak, they are also showing resilience — gathering, grieving, and speaking out for change.

The name of the deceased and the identities of the injured will be published once officially confirmed and with the consent of their families. Channel2 NOW will continue to provide updates as they become available.