Shyparius Dupree, a 32-year-old Black transgender man, was a beloved husband, father, and community member in Memphis, Tennessee. His life was tragically cut short in May of 2025. In the early morning hours of May 18th, Memphis Police Department officers were called to the scene of a shooting at Range Line Road near James Road in the Frayser neighborhood. They found Shyparius critically injured.
He was rushed to a local hospital, but tragically succumbed to his injuries the following day, on May 19th.
Known as a devoted family man, Shyparius had recently celebrated his third wedding anniversary with his wife, Lola, and they were raising two children together, a son and a daughter who had just turned twelve. He was a hardworking individual, holding a position as a shift manager at Save A Lot, working for FedEx, and having previously served as a youth counselor with Youth Villages. His entrepreneurial spirit also led him to take on side hustles as a bartender and cook, and he even operated a small store with his wife. He was a graduate of Sheffield High School and had pursued culinary arts at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. His compassion extended beyond his immediate circle, as he frequently used his social media presence to share information about missing children and advocate for those in need.
In the wake of his death, family and friends gathered for a candlelight vigil at MLK Riverside Park to honor his memory. His funeral was held at R.S. Lewis Funeral Home. Despite the profound loss felt by his loved ones and the community, details surrounding the shooting that claimed Shyparius Dupree's life remain scarce. As of late 2025, there has been no publicly released information regarding any suspects or arrests in connection with his murder. The investigation into his death is ongoing, leaving his family and community awaiting answers and justice for a life taken too soon.
