In Memphis, Tennessee, on the evening of August 23, 2023, a dispute between two men escalated to a fatal encounter. Gregory Butler, a 39-year-old man, was shot and killed at approximately 9:45 p.m. at 300 Poplar Avenue. Butler, a father of nine, was pronounced dead at the scene from gunshot wounds.
Earlier that day, Butler had been involved in an altercation with another man, later identified as 41-year-old Monnie Coston, also known as 'Money'.
Witnesses reported that Coston had made threats against Butler following their initial confrontation. Later that evening, Coston approached Butler who was with a witness. The witness heard two gunshots and then saw Butler fall to the ground as Coston fled the area.
The day after the shooting, an individual who knew Coston pointed him out to police officers. Following a brief foot chase, Coston was apprehended. During questioning by the homicide bureau, Coston admitted to shooting Butler. He claimed that Butler had approached him following their earlier fight. This account was reportedly corroborated by surveillance footage which showed Butler approaching Coston and possibly throwing a punch just before the shooting. The witness from the scene also positively identified Coston as the individual who fled after Butler was shot.
Monnie Coston, who has a prior felony conviction for aggravated burglary from 2012, was charged with voluntary manslaughter and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. His bond was set at $150,000.
