In January 2023, the community of South Memphis was shaken by the discovery of a body behind a church on Gold Avenue. The deceased was identified as Larry Thorn, a 27-year-old male who worked as a beloved school secretary at A. Maceo Walker Middle School. Thorn had been fatally shot, and his body had also been set on fire. The news of his violent death sent shockwaves through the school where he was known for his radiant spirit and for being one of the first warm faces to greet students and
staff each day. Beyond his secretarial duties, he was an integral part of the school community, coaching the pom-pom team and being involved with the band.
The investigation into Thorn's death continued for nearly two years, a period of agonizing uncertainty for his family, particularly his mother, Lavonda Henderson. A breakthrough in the case came with the arrest of a suspect. The individual taken into custody was a minor at the time of the alleged offense. This development brought a small measure of relief to Thorn's grieving mother, who had been tirelessly seeking justice for her son. The suspect was later identified as Estes Anderson, who was 17 years old.
Further details that emerged during the investigation painted a tragic picture of the connection between the victim and the accused. Larry Thorn had been a school mentor to Estes Anderson. Evidence linking Anderson to the crime scene included DNA, as well as photos found on Thorn's phone. In a significant legal step, a judge granted a motion to transfer Anderson's case to adult court. He now faces serious charges, including second-degree murder and abuse of a corpse, marking a pivotal turn in the pursuit of justice for the senseless killing of a man remembered for his kindness and dedication to the students he served.
