In the quiet neighborhood of Cloverdale Street in Jackson, Tennessee, a sudden burst of violence on the evening of January 25, 2024, irrevocably shattered the peace and ended the life of 19-year-old Ayanna Bingham. Bingham, a young woman described as energetic and fun-loving, was shot and killed while sitting in the driver's seat of a white Ford Mustang.
In the backseat of the car were two young children, a three-year-old and a seven-year-old, who were also struck by the gunfire and sustained multiple gunshot wounds. First responders arrived at the scene around 9:30 p.m. to a harrowing sight, pronouncing Bingham dead at the scene due to her injuries. The two injured children were airlifted to a hospital in Memphis for treatment.
The investigation into the senseless shooting quickly led police to a person of interest just a short distance away. Larell Collier was found at another residence on Cloverdale Street with gunshot wounds to his legs. As the investigation unfolded, Collier was identified as a possible suspect in the shooting that claimed Ayanna Bingham's life and injured the two children. After being treated for his injuries, he was interviewed by investigators. During the interview, after being read his Miranda rights, Collier admitted to shooting Ayanna Bingham in the head. He also acknowledged that he was aware of the presence of the two young children in the car at the time of the shooting.
Following his confession, Larell Collier was arrested and taken into custody. A search warrant was executed, leading to the discovery of a Glock 19 9-millimeter handgun that Collier had hidden in his grandmother's room. According to Ayanna's father, his daughter was simply picking up a friend and her children at the time of the unprovoked attack. He stated that his daughter had no prior interactions or altercations with Collier. Collier was subsequently held without bond, awaiting a court appearance.
