Tragedy at Cache 42: One Dead, Two Injured in Southeast Shelby County Shooting

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A night that began with good food, music, and celebration at a popular Southeast Shelby County restaurant ended in unimaginable tragedy late Saturday. A deadly shooting outside Cache 42 Kitchen & Cocktails left one person dead and two others injured, sending shockwaves through the community and prompting a full-scale homicide investigation by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO).

The incident unfolded around 10:30 p.m., when officers were dispatched to the restaurant located on Hacks Cross Road, a bustling entertainment corridor that draws large weekend crowds. Multiple gunshots rang out in the parking lot just as patrons were leaving or arriving for a night out. According to officials, deputies arrived to find a chaotic scene: one person was found deceased at the scene, while two others were suffering from gunshot wounds.

Chaos Outside a Community Landmark

Cache 42, a relatively new but rapidly growing establishment in the Memphis restaurant scene, has become known for its high-end menu, nightlife atmosphere, and celebrity clientele. It was meant to be a safe space for entertainment and fine dining—but the violent turn of events on Saturday night shattered that vision.

Witnesses described scenes of panic as people ducked for cover, scrambled to get inside the restaurant, or fled the parking lot. Some patrons initially mistook the gunshots for fireworks or car backfires—until screams and running crowds confirmed the terror.

“We heard pop-pop-pop, then saw people running,” said one witness who had just exited the restaurant with friends. “We didn’t know what was happening, but we ran for our lives.”

Victims and Immediate Response

Authorities have not yet publicly released the identities of the victims. However, family members and community members are beginning to come forward with tributes and calls for justice. Of the two injured:

• One was transported by private vehicle to St. Francis Hospital, then later transferred to Regional One Health in critical condition.
• The second injured person is said to be in stable condition and is expected to survive.

Emergency services responded quickly, but for one victim, it was already too late. The body was discovered near a vehicle in the lot—marking another life lost to gun violence in Memphis.

Homicide Investigation Underway

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has launched a homicide investigation, and detectives are working around the clock to collect evidence, interview witnesses, and review surveillance footage.

According to the SCSO, the incident appears to have taken place outside the restaurant in the parking lot, though it remains unclear whether it stemmed from a dispute inside the venue or was a targeted attack unrelated to the restaurant itself.

As of Sunday afternoon, no arrests have been made, and no suspect descriptions have been officially released. Investigators are encouraging anyone with knowledge of the shooting or who may have captured video footage of the incident to contact Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH or call the SCSO directly.

Community in Mourning

The deadly incident has left a cloud over the community, particularly in Southeast Shelby County, where residents are expressing both sorrow and frustration over the continuing rise in gun violence.

“This has to stop,” said a local resident. “It doesn’t matter if it’s North Memphis, South Memphis, or out here near Hacks Cross. People just want to enjoy their lives without being shot at.”

Local clergy and community leaders have called for unity, prayers, and immediate conversations about safety. Some have announced plans for a candlelight vigil outside Cache 42 later in the week to honor the deceased and stand in solidarity with the wounded.

Calls for Change and Accountability

In the aftermath of the shooting, several voices in the community—including business owners and local officials—are calling for increased security and accountability. Discussions have surfaced around requiring additional security personnel at nightlife venues, especially those that draw large weekend crowds.

Cache 42 management released a brief statement via social media expressing condolences to the families affected and pledging full cooperation with law enforcement during the investigation. They also noted they are reviewing their own safety protocols and will be increasing security presence in the immediate future.

Gun Violence in Memphis: A Growing Crisis

Memphis has seen a troubling uptick in violent incidents in recent years, with shootings occurring across neighborhoods regardless of income or location. While law enforcement has made efforts to curtail illegal firearms and escalate community policing, critics argue that a more comprehensive approach—including mental health services, economic support, and youth outreach—is desperately needed.

The shooting at Cache 42 is not just another statistic—it is a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for lasting change.

What Comes Next

As the investigation continues, the public is encouraged to stay alert, support one another, and speak up. Law enforcement cannot solve this alone. The silence of witnesses, fear of retaliation, and lack of community trust often delay justice—and prolong the cycle of violence.

If you have any information, no matter how small, please do not hesitate to contact:

• Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (Detectives Unit): 901-379-7625
• Crime Stoppers (Anonymous Tips): 901-528-CASH

In Memory

As the family of the deceased prepares for funeral arrangements, a community prepares to say goodbye to yet another victim of violence. The pain is real. The grief is raw. And the questions remain unanswered.

Let this tragedy not pass without reflection, without accountability, and without purpose. May the victims find peace, and may the community find the strength to move forward—together, resolute, and determined to prevent another night like this from ever happening again.