In the winter of 2018, the life of 33-year-old Regina Renae Allen, a female resident of Memphis, Tennessee, was tragically cut short. On February 22nd, she and her 34-year-old husband, Brandon Allen, were found deceased in their apartment on Tall Oaks Circle after a fire was reported. First responders to the smoldering residence discovered that both individuals had been shot.
The investigation into the double homicide quickly led to a suspect.
Aareon Berryman, a 19-year-old from Cordova, was seen exiting the Allens' apartment as the fire began to grow. A police officer and a Memphis Light, Gas & Water Division employee who were nearby on an unrelated matter heard someone shout about a robbery and witnessed Berryman leaving the scene. They pursued him through the apartment complex and apprehended him.
Upon his capture, Berryman was found to be in possession of a handgun and an AR-15 pistol. He was also carrying several stolen cell phones, marijuana, and other items. When questioned by officers at the scene about whether anyone was inside the burning apartment, Berryman replied that there were two people where he 'left them.'
A grand jury later indicted Berryman on multiple felony charges. These included two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Regina and Brandon Allen, aggravated arson for intentionally setting fire to their apartment, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, and two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon. The case against him is being handled by the Shelby County District Attorney's office.
