On the evening of October 30, 2024, in the Northcrest subdivision of Ripley, Tennessee, 17-year-old Demarcus Tyrrelle Barnes was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting. Another 16-year-old male was also wounded in the attack, sustaining a gunshot to the leg. The shooting occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Demarcus was a senior and a running back for the varsity football team at Ripley High School.
His sudden death sent shockwaves through the community, prompting an outpouring of grief from fellow students, school faculty, and residents alike. In the days that followed, a memorial was established outside the high school to honor his memory.
The Lauderdale County Schools Superintendent, Shawn Kimble, spoke to the profound sadness felt throughout the school system and the community, describing the event as a senseless tragedy. Funeral services for Demarcus were held on November 17, 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Ripley, with visitations occurring on the preceding day and earlier on the day of the funeral.
Law enforcement officials have been actively investigating the shooting, but as of the latest available reports, no arrests have been made, and authorities have not publicly identified any suspects. The Ripley Police Department has urged anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward to assist with their ongoing investigation as the community hopes for justice and healing.
