In the spring of 2017, the life of a young man from Memphis, Tennessee, was abruptly cut short in an act of violence that left the community seeking answers. Andrew Gleaton, a 23-year-old Black male, was fatally shot on the evening of May 1, 2017. The incident unfolded in the 1500 block of Vollintine Avenue in the heart of Midtown Memphis, a place that would become the backdrop for a tragedy that reverberated through the city.
On that fateful evening, Gleaton was with another man when a
white Dodge Avenger approached. A man, later identified as 20-year-old Marquise Fleming, exited the vehicle and walked toward Gleaton and his companion. Without warning, Fleming opened fire, striking both men before fleeing the scene on foot. The sudden eruption of gunfire shattered the evening's calm and left two individuals wounded. Both Gleaton and the other man were rushed to Regional One Medical Center for treatment. While the second victim's injuries were not life-threatening, Gleaton ultimately succumbed to his wounds at the hospital.
The investigation into Andrew Gleaton's death moved forward with the help of crucial information provided by witnesses. Their accounts led law enforcement to identify Marquise Fleming as the primary suspect. Following his arrest, Fleming was charged with first-degree murder for his role in Gleaton's death and aggravated assault for the injuries sustained by the second victim. During questioning by authorities, Fleming admitted to the shooting.
