On a summer evening in Memphis, Tennessee, the life of 29-year-old Fredrick Poplar was tragically cut short. On July 5, 2012, Poplar, an African-American male, was near Le Moyne-Owen College to attend a basketball event associated with the Bluff City Classic tournament. As he was in the vicinity of the college, a white SUV reportedly approached, and an unknown individual from within the vehicle fired a gun, striking him.
Emergency services were called to the scene, and Poplar was rushed
to the Regional Medical Center. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he succumbed to the gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased. At the time of his death, Fredrick Poplar was a father to four children. He had attended Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis.
The Memphis Police Department's Homicide Bureau launched an investigation into the shooting. The preliminary details suggested a drive-by shooting, but a motive for the attack was not immediately clear. Investigators sought information from the public and hoped that potential witnesses would come forward to assist in solving the case.
As of late 2025, the murder of Fredrick Poplar remains unsolved. No arrests have been made in connection with his death, and no suspects have been publicly identified. His family continues to await justice as the investigation into his untimely and violent death continues.
