In Memphis, Tennessee, a heated argument on May 16, 2021, tragically ended the life of 31-year-old Ivan Lewis Payton. The Black / African American male was found with a gunshot wound in the driveway of a home in the 3800 block of Burr Road and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The events leading to the fatal shooting began with a physical altercation in the front yard of the residence between Payton and another man, later identified as Raymond Benson.
Witnesses reported that after the two men were separated, Benson produced a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking Payton in the chest. Following the shooting, Benson fled the scene in Payton's vehicle.
Law enforcement officials quickly identified Raymond Benson as the primary suspect. He was later apprehended and taken into custody. Witnesses were able to positively identify Benson in a six-person photo lineup presented by the police.
As a result of the investigation, Raymond Benson was charged with second-degree murder and theft of property. Additionally, due to his criminal history, he faced a charge of being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun. Following his arrest, Benson was held in the Shelby County jail, and a bond was not set in his case.
