Violent Holiday Weekend in Memphis

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - A total of 12 people were the victims of crime over the July 4th holiday weekend, with 3 of those victims losing their lives in deadly shootings.

Officers responded to a shooting call at approximately 12:49am Sunday to 380 Beale Street. Officers found multiple victims of what appeared to be gunshot wounds. There were 5 victims involved with this incident; all are reported to be juveniles.

3 of the 5 victims were transported to the hospital. 2 of the victims that were transported were in non critical condition, 1 was released. 2 of the 5 victims had minor injuries and were not transported.

Witnesses told officers that a large crowd had gathered in front of The Plush Club, at which time an unknown suspect began to shoot into the crowd. This investigation is ongoing.

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Officers responded to another shooting call at approximately 12:45am Sunday to the 600 block of Alston. Officers found multiple victims of what appeared to be gunshot wounds. There were 3 victims involved with this incident; all are reported to be juveniles. All 3 victims were transported; 1 victim was in non critical condition and the other 2 were treated and released.

Suspect Information: 2 possible suspects; 1 suspect possibly occupied a dark color Buick and the second suspect was reported to be possibly on a motorcycle.

Officers were told that the victims were walking down the street, in the 600 block of Alston, when the suspects drove by and began to shoot. This investigation is ongoing.

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On Saturday, July 4, 2009, at approximately 9:22pm officers received a shooting call in the 5000 block of Christopher Avenue. There are 2 victims involved in this incident. Officers located James A. Balentine and James C. Balentine with apparent gun shot wounds. The victims were transported to the hospital. Victim, 57-year old James C. Balentine was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. The other victim, 24-year old James A Balentine, was in non critical condition. James A Balentine is the son of James C. Balentine.

Officers were told that the victims were involved in an argument with the suspect, when the suspect shot the victims.

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On Saturday, July 4, 2009 at approximately 1:10am officers made the scene of a shooting call on Mosby near Alabama. Officers found multiple victims of what appeared to be gunshot wounds. There were 3 victims involved with this incident. All 3 victims were transported to the hospital, 2 victims were non critical. 1 victim, 18-year old Kawanda Wainwright, was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. A possible suspect has been identified.

Officers were told that the victims and the suspect were involved in a verbal altercation, at which time the suspect pulled a gun and began to shoot at the victims.

This investigation is still ongoing.

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Please call Crime Stoppers at 528-CASH (2274) if you have any additional information on any of these incidents.