In a tragic turn of events that shattered a family, 58-year-old Patrick Harlan, a Black male from Memphis, Tennessee, was shot and killed in his own home on August 15, 2020. The harrowing incident unfolded on a Saturday morning at a residence in the 400 block of East Olive Avenue.
When police officers arrived at the scene around 10 a.m., they were met on the porch by a young man, 25-year-old Mario Harlan. Inside the house, a grim discovery awaited them.
Patrick Harlan was found on the living room sofa, having sustained gunshot wounds to his head and chest. Paramedics were called to the scene, but his injuries were too severe, and he was pronounced dead.
The investigation quickly focused on Mario Harlan, who was later identified as the victim's son. During questioning by authorities, Mario admitted to shooting his father during an argument that had escalated to a fatal confrontation. Following his confession, Mario Harlan was arrested and charged with the murder of his father.
In October 2021, a Shelby County Grand Jury handed down an indictment against Mario Harlan on the charge of first-degree murder. He is currently being held in the Shelby County Jail as he awaits legal proceedings. The case, which is being handled by the District Attorney's Vertical Team 2, highlights a devastating instance of domestic violence that resulted in the loss of a father at the hands of his son.
