Keyshun Dale Thomas, a 32-year-old Black male from Memphis, was fatally shot on Sunday, May 18, 2025, during a violent altercation at a gas station in the Frayser neighborhood. Thomas, who was born on September 9, 1992, was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire of a gunfight that erupted at the Thirsty Gas station on Range Line Road. He was transported to a hospital but did not survive his injuries.
The events leading to Thomas's death began when three armed men attempted to rob
two individuals at the gas pumps. This confrontation quickly escalated into a shootout, during which Thomas was struck by gunfire. Investigators later clarified that he was not involved in the robbery or the ensuing gun battle. The investigation into the shooting was aided by surveillance footage and a critical piece of evidence left at the scene: a case of Sprite. Fingerprints lifted from the beverage container played a key role in identifying a suspect.
In connection with the death of Keyshun Thomas, police arrested Andre Scott, a 19-year-old local rapper also known as Boo TwoGunz. Scott was charged with first-degree murder in the perpetration of a robbery. His case was later bound over to a Shelby County grand jury, and his bond was set at $5 million. Another rapper, Robert Mitchell, known as YNC TraiSlime, was also identified as a suspect and was sought by police. Early in the investigation, another individual was considered a person of interest, but he was later cleared by law enforcement.
At the time of his death, Keyshun Thomas was employed by the Downtown Memphis Commission and was also a student at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. He was a graduate of Sheffield High School and had previously been employed by the Tennessee Department of Corrections. He was remembered in his obituary as a loving family man who was devoted to his wife and children. He had a passion for cooking and was known for his ability to bring joy and laughter to those around him.
