In the early summer evening of Saturday, June 7, 2025, in Memphis, Tennessee, the life of 18-year-old Cornelius Dewayne Otis Jr. was tragically cut short. A recent graduate of Kirby High School, the young man, known affectionately as 'DJ' to his loved ones, was filled with the promise of a bright future. He had his sights set on attending trade school and was preparing to leave the city to pursue his dreams.
His family recalls his excitement about this new chapter in his life, a journey that was set to begin the very next day.
The violence that claimed his life erupted in the parking lot of Cache 42, a restaurant located on Hacks Cross Road. Gunfire shattered the evening peace, and when the chaos subsided, three young people had been shot. Cornelius was critically wounded and rushed to Regional One for medical attention. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday, June 8, 2025. Investigators at the scene recovered a significant amount of evidence, including dozens of bullet casings, painting a grim picture of the indiscriminate nature of the shooting.
The weeks that followed were filled with grief for Cornelius's family and a search for answers. His loved ones remembered him as a beacon of light with a radiant smile, a young man who touched the lives of everyone he encountered. As they mourned, the Shelby County Sheriff's Office continued their investigation into the senseless act of violence. Their efforts led to a breakthrough with the arrest of 24-year-old Gerard Lawson. He has since been charged with three counts of attempted first-degree murder in connection with the shooting. Authorities have indicated that the investigation remains active and that further arrests are anticipated as they continue to seek justice for Cornelius and the other victims.
