On a tragic Friday afternoon in August 2014, Dominique Thomas, a 27-year-old mother, was fatally shot in Memphis, Tennessee. The incident occurred at the home of a friend, located in the 1600 block of Patterson Street. At the time of the shooting, someone opened fire into the house, tragically ending Thomas's life. The violence of that day also resulted in the injury of her friend's 15-year-old son, who was struck in the abdomen but survived after undergoing surgery.
Dominique, a beloved
mother of five children who ranged in age from one to twelve, was remembered by her family and friends as a vibrant and caring individual. Her sister recalled her as a funny, outspoken, and strong single mother who was deeply devoted to her close-knit family, including her five siblings. Friends and family gathered at the scene of the shooting the following day, leaving stuffed bears by a street sign as a memorial to a life taken too soon.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the investigation led to the indictment of Corderro Avant and a co-defendant in September 2014. They faced a multi-count indictment that included one count of first-degree premeditated murder for the death of Dominique Thomas. The indictment also included eleven counts of attempted first-degree premeditated murder, one of which was for the serious bodily injury of Jarvis Clayborn, and eleven counts of employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony.
A Shelby County jury later convicted Corderro Avant on several charges related to the shooting. The convictions included the first-degree murder of Dominique Thomas, the attempted first-degree murder of Jarvis Clayborn which resulted in serious bodily injury, and nine other counts of attempted first-degree murder for the other individuals present at the residence. Avant was also found guilty of eleven counts of employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony.
