In Memphis, a story of a long life dedicated to public service contrasts sharply with a separate, tragic event involving a young man and a senseless act of violence. Charles Robert Perkins, an 85-year-old man, passed away peacefully in Nashville, Tennessee, surrounded by his family. His death was the result of a combination of diabetes, heart issues, and kidney failure.
Known as 'Charlie,' he was a respected attorney and a prominent figure in Shelby County politics and government for over half a century. A devout man, he was remembered as a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather who lived a life full of wisdom, generosity, and service. His career was marked by numerous achievements, including serving as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis and later as a distinguished attorney and member of various boards and commissions in the Memphis and Shelby County area. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Mayor/Commission form of government that exists today and was honored for his service by Shelby County Government.
In a separate and unrelated case from Memphis, a then 19-year-old named Dallas Perkins was charged in connection with a homicide that occurred on Thanksgiving Day in 2017. The victim in this case was 68-year-old Robert Wong, a veteran who was being treated for cancer. Wong was found unresponsive in his home, having been shot in the shoulder. The investigation revealed that the family's minivan was missing, and items from the vehicle were later found in a different location.
Dallas Perkins, who was 15 at the time of the murder, was already serving a sentence for other crimes when he was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree murder in perpetration of theft, and theft of property in the death of Robert Wong. His prior convictions included the holdup of a pizza delivery driver in 2018, where he and two others stole the driver's car, money, and pizzas. He was apprehended for those crimes after being spotted getting into the stolen vehicle. Due to his age at the time of the Wong murder, the initial court proceedings were held in Juvenile Court.
