In Memphis, Tennessee, a domestic dispute escalated into a tragic homicide on April 5, 2021, ending the life of 30-year-old Javarie Mayes. Mayes, a Black male, was found deceased in his bedroom from multiple gunshot wounds in the early morning hours at his residence on Railton Road. The events leading to his death began with an argument with his 20-year-old stepson, Nicholas Anderson.
Following the disagreement, Mayes banned Anderson from the home.
In the aftermath of the argument, Anderson became the primary suspect in the shooting. Investigations revealed a chilling premeditation to the crime, indicating that Anderson had kidnapped other family members to orchestrate the murder of his stepfather. This act added a charge of especially aggravated kidnapping to the case against him.
A first-degree murder warrant was issued for Nicholas Anderson on the same day as the killing. A manhunt was initiated, leading law enforcement to Indianola, Mississippi. Three days after the shooting, members of the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, in coordination with local authorities, located and arrested Anderson without incident. He was subsequently returned to Memphis to face legal proceedings.
In August 2021, a grand jury indicted Nicholas Anderson on charges of first-degree murder and especially aggravated kidnapping. He was ordered to be held without bond. The case was taken on by the Shelby County District Attorney's Office for prosecution.
