In the early evening of September 15, 2023, the life of 26-year-old Keion Wiley, a male, was tragically cut short in a burst of gunfire on West Jefferson Avenue in West Memphis, Arkansas. Just before 6 p.m., in what was initially described as a drive-by shooting, Wiley and a female companion were struck by multiple gunshots. When first responders arrived at the scene in the 300 block of the street, they found both individuals suffering from serious injuries.
Despite the efforts of paramedics, Keion Wiley succumbed to his wounds at the location. The female victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The West Memphis Police Department immediately launched an intensive investigation into the fatal shooting. Though Wiley did not reside in the neighborhood where the shooting occurred, he was known to be a frequent visitor. In the aftermath of the incident, a crowd of supporters gathered at the scene to mourn with his family. The investigation led authorities to a suspect, and with the assistance of the Memphis Police Department, 24-year-old Marketas Ellis was apprehended in Memphis, Tennessee.
Following his arrest, Ellis was extradited to West Memphis to face a series of grave charges related to the death of Keion Wiley. These charges include Capital Murder, Battery in the First Degree, a Terroristic Act, Aggravated Assault, and Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm from a Vehicle. While an arrest has been made, the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have continued to appeal to the public for any additional information regarding the shooting, urging individuals to contact the Criminal Investigation Division or Crittenden County Crime Stoppers.
