When a man's longtime "bully" mocked him again on a quiet Memphis street, he allegedly pulled out a gun and shot the victim dead before stashing the weapon in his SUV and confessing to police, authorities say.
Background
Marquillo Kelly, 28, had endured years of ridicule from Darrell Jones, according to an affidavit of complaint obtained by Law&Crime. The two men were in the area of the 4100 block of Barron Avenue in Memphis when their long-simmering conflict reached a violent conclusion Wednesday afternoon.
Kelly told investigators that Jones "would ridicule and bully him" for years, the court document states. That history of torment allegedly boiled over into tragedy when Kelly confessed to shooting Jones after he was mocked once more, authorities say.
Neighbors in the residential block heard gunshots ring out before police arrived to find Jones unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Investigation
Officers with the Memphis Police Department responded to reports of gunfire and discovered Jones suffering from several gunshot wounds on the 4100 block of Barron Avenue, according to charging documents. Seven silver 9mm shell casings were found scattered along a path leading toward a neighboring home.
Investigators received information that the suspect was outside a residence on the same block. A description was broadcast to officers, who located and recovered a black Glock 19 pistol from the center console of a white Ford Escape parked in a driveway on that street. The firearm was loaded with ammunition matching the caliber and appearance of the casings recovered at the crime scene.
Kelly was arrested and interviewed by detectives. He explained his contentious relationship with Jones and confessed to shooting him after the most recent instance of mocking, according to the affidavit. Prosecutors allege Kelly "gave specific details which were corroborated with evidence found on the scene."
The Charges
Kelly has been charged with first-degree murder and employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony in connection with Jones' death, the Memphis Police Department announced. He is being held in the Shelby County Jail without bond pending court proceedings.
A bond hearing has been scheduled for Monday, according to jail records.
Key Takeaways
- Marquillo Kelly, 28, allegedly shot and killed Darrell Jones after years of being mocked by the victim, police say
- The shooting occurred on the 4100 block of Barron Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee
- Kelly reportedly confessed to detectives after being confronted with evidence at the scene
- Seven silver 9mm shell casings were recovered along a path near a neighboring home
- Police found the allegedly used Glock 19 pistol inside a white Ford Escape parked nearby
- Kelly has been charged with first-degree murder and employing a firearm during a dangerous felony
What's Next
Kelly remains detained in the Shelby County Jail without bond. His scheduled court appearance will address conditions of release as the case moves through the criminal justice system.
The Memphis Police Department continues its investigation into the circumstances surrounding Jones' death and the history between the two men.