In the evening shadows of a mid-September night in Memphis, a young man’s life was abruptly and violently cut short. Brayan de Paul Chum Sanchez, a 25-year-old male, was walking down Boyce Avenue on September 15, 2023, when he was confronted by an assailant. The encounter, which took place in the 4200 block of the street, quickly escalated into a fatal altercation.
The attacker, whose motives appeared to be robbery, engaged in a physical struggle with Chum Sanchez.
During the confrontation, a shot rang out, and Brayan fell, critically wounded. The suspect, described by the Memphis Police Department as a heavyset Black male, standing about 5 feet 9 inches tall and wearing a face mask, fled the scene on foot. He was last seen heading eastbound on Boyce Avenue toward Wanda Street, where he reportedly got into a dark-colored sedan.
First responders arrived at the scene shortly after 10 p.m. to find Brayan de Paul Chum Sanchez with a gunshot wound. He was rushed to Regional One Health in critical condition, but his injuries proved too severe. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. His death was ruled a homicide.
In the wake of the shooting, the Memphis Police Department launched an investigation, appealing to the public for any information that might lead to the apprehension of the person responsible for Chum Sanchez's death. As of early 2024, no arrests have been made in the case, and the investigation remains ongoing. A reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest through CrimeStoppers. The tragic and sudden loss of Brayan de Paul Chum Sanchez left his family and community mourning a life taken too soon. His burial was planned to take place in Guatemala.
