Man Arrested After Deadly Shooting Inside Wolfchase Galleria Mall, Police Say
A sense of shock and unease rippled through the normally bustling Wolfchase Galleria mall in Cordova on Monday afternoon after a man was shot and killed inside the shopping center. Memphis authorities have now confirmed that 22-year-old Yahir Mejia has been arrested in connection with the deadly incident and is facing a second-degree murder charge.
According to the Memphis Police Department, officers responded to an emergency call from the mall shortly after the shooting occurred. When officers arrived, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound inside the building. Despite efforts by first responders to save his life, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
The shooting triggered panic among shoppers, many of whom scrambled to find safety as word of the gunfire spread. Mall security quickly assisted in guiding people away from the affected area while police worked to secure the building and gather information. Witness accounts varied, but several shoppers reported hearing a single gunshot followed by chaos as employees tried to shelter customers in nearby stores.
Investigators say Mejia fled the scene immediately after the shooting, prompting a rapid multi-unit search by law enforcement. A combination of surveillance footage, witness statements, and investigative leads guided officers to a residence near Chelsea Avenue in northeast Memphis. Mejia was taken into custody without further incident later that same day.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive behind the shooting, and it remains unclear whether Mejia and the victim knew one another prior to the incident. Detectives are continuing to interview witnesses and review mall surveillance video to determine exactly what led to the confrontation and subsequent gunfire.
The Wolfchase Galleria mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the Memphis metropolitan area, remained under heightened security for several hours as officers cleared the premises and reassured those who had sheltered in place. Businesses resumed normal operations later in the evening, but the emotional impact of the incident lingered for many who witnessed the frightening scene.
Memphis police emphasized that Mejia’s arrest came swiftly thanks to coordinated investigative efforts and community cooperation. He is currently being held as the case moves forward, and additional charges could be considered as the investigation evolves.
Community members and local leaders have expressed concern over the increasing number of violent incidents occurring in public spaces, calling for renewed efforts to bolster safety and conflict prevention. Monday’s shooting has once again raised questions about security measures at heavily trafficked locations like malls, where families and young people often gather.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. The victim’s family is expected to be notified soon, and police say more details will be released once that process is complete.
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