Police Chief Addresses Weekend Homicides

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Wednesday a major development and announcement came from Memphis Police Director Larry Godwin.

Godwin says, "In less than 24 hours investigators had 3 people in custody and off the streets of the city of Memphis."

3 suspects in the Sunday morning robbery and homicide of Stephen Faulkner a pizza delivery man who was shot and killed have been arrested and charged with first degree murder.

Godwin says, "We quickly developed a suspect I will tell you that we used some methods that I can't disclose."

Director Godwin says the 3 suspects called Pizza Hut ordering 90 dollars worth of pizza to be delivered to an abandoned home off Brentdale. Police say Faulkner was met by a trio. 23 year old Jeremy Williams, 18 year old Lavette Coleman and the suspected triggerman, a 17 year old boy.

Godwin says, "These individuals may have committed other robberies of pizza delivery personal."

But this homicide was one of the latest that capped off a deadly weekend in Memphis.
It started Saturday when Terry Wilkins was shot and killed in the 3500 block of Commerce.

Later that morning police responded to Life where James Wilson was shot and killed.
But it was just after 12:30 Saturday morning police fired deadly rounds at Thomas Burton when they were met with deadly force by the suspect. A short time later police found Laverne Humphries dead inside her home off Western Park.

Investigators believe Burton is responsible.

And it was just after 8pm officers found 16-year old Brandon Harris who was stabbed to death on the 3200 block of Millington. A violent and deadly weekend Director Godwin says might be as a result of several factors.

But says the incentive not to commit murder or robbery should come from sentencing laws.

Godwin says, "Were bringing them in were putting them in jail and they're getting out. And they're committing crimes again."