In the quiet of a late afternoon on December 5, 2022, the body of 49-year-old Jesus Cazares, a Hispanic male, was discovered on the side of Bolen Huse Road in Memphis, Tennessee. Paramedics who arrived at the scene pronounced him dead, his body bearing the tragic marks of multiple gunshot wounds. The initial discovery launched an investigation into the life and final moments of Mr.
Cazares, a resident of Memphis.
Investigators soon identified a person of interest through surveillance footage that captured a reddish-orange vehicle near the scene. This crucial piece of evidence led them to 37-year-old Brandon Malone. Further investigation of surveillance footage from a different location reportedly showed Malone's vehicle with damage consistent with a bullet strike. When authorities located and arrested Malone, they found a rifle and marijuana inside his car. A subsequent search of his home, which he shared with a woman named Ashley Wiggins, uncovered more firearms and marijuana.
Brandon Malone was subsequently charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of Jesus Cazares. In addition to the murder charge, he faced charges of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in the commission of a dangerous felony, possession of a controlled substance, and theft of property. Ashley Wiggins was also arrested and faced charges related to the items found in their shared home, including theft, drug, and weapons charges. While the initial investigation pointed to Malone's involvement, the case against both individuals was described as ongoing as law enforcement continued to piece together the events that led to the death of Jesus Cazares.
