In the late hours of a Monday in Memphis, Tennessee, the life of 17-year-old Montrell Deon West was tragically cut short. On August 29, 2022, West was one of two teenagers who arrived at a hospital in the Raleigh area, both suffering from gunshot wounds. While the second teen's condition was stabilized, West succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into the shooting led authorities to a crime scene in the 3100 block of Cochese Street in Frayser.
What unfolded was a narrative of a car ride that turned deadly. According to police, West was a passenger in a vehicle with three other individuals when another car began to pursue them. Gunfire erupted from the pursuing vehicle, striking West.
Within days, the investigation pointed to two suspects, 19-year-old Markeveon Williams and 20-year-old Kortez Spight. The pair were located and taken into custody. Investigators determined that Williams was the driver of the suspect vehicle, while Spight was identified as the individual who fired the shots.
Both men faced serious charges in connection with the death of Montrell Deon West. Markeveon Williams was charged with first-degree murder and convicted felon in possession of a handgun. Kortez Spight was also charged with first-degree murder, along with convicted felon in possession of a handgun and employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. The community was left to grapple with the senseless violence that claimed the life of a young man.
