In the heart of South Memphis, a place of community and uplift became a scene of tragedy on June 29, 2025. Jarmond Johnson, a 25-year-old male employee of the Memphis Rox climbing gym, was shot and killed inside the facility on McLemore Avenue. The incident, which unfolded around 4:00 p.m., stemmed from an argument that escalated into gunfire. Another man, Dejuan Taylor, was also killed in the shootout and was later identified by police as the suspect in Johnson's death.
Johnson was a
beloved and prominent figure in the Memphis climbing community, serving as the outreach coordinator for Memphis Rox. His passion for climbing had taken him to great heights, including the summit of Mount Kenya, Africa's second-highest peak. He was known for his peaceful nature and dedication to his work, which included collaborating with the Honnold Foundation to install solar panels at the gym. His death sent shockwaves through the community, with many expressing their grief and remembering him as a hero and a guiding light.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, police responded to the scene and found a chaotic situation. A third individual, 28-year-old Farris Haley, was detained by officers. According to police reports, Haley broke free from detention, grabbed a loaded pistol from near one of the bodies, and fled. He was pursued by officers and allegedly threw the gun into a waiting vehicle before being apprehended. Haley was subsequently arrested and charged with tampering with evidence and resisting official detention.
The investigation into the shooting confirmed that both Johnson and Taylor had exchanged gunfire. The motive for the initial altercation is believed to have been a dispute between the two men, who knew each other prior to the incident. The loss of Jarmond Johnson was deeply felt, not only by his family and friends but also by the wider community he served through his work at Memphis Rox. The gym temporarily closed to allow the community to mourn and process the tragic event.
