In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the Memphis community, rising rapper Sauce Walka was shot, and his artist, Sayso P, was killed in a targeted shooting in broad daylight on Wednesday. The violence erupted around 2:40 PM in the 100 block of George W. Lee Avenue, right in front of the FedEx Forum, an area known for its bustling activity and foot traffic.
According to the Memphis Police Department, the shooting was not random. Eyewitnesses reported seeing two suspects exit a white vehicle and open fire on Sauce Walka and Sayso P. The suspects fled the scene immediately afterward. While law enforcement officials confirmed that one victim was pronounced dead at the scene, the other, Sauce Walka, was transported to Regional One Health and is currently in critical condition.
The police have launched a citywide search for the getaway vehicle, which they described as white. Detectives from the homicide unit and the Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) unit are actively gathering evidence and information from the crime scene. The department has urged anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers at 901-528-CASH.
This incident follows a night of celebration for Sauce Walka and Sayso P, who were reportedly in Memphis for a performance. They had attended a club event with local rapper YTB Fat, where they were accompanied by armed security. The security guard has faced backlash on social media, with some critics suggesting that the shooting occurred on his watch. He has since clarified that he was not present during the incident and was only contracted to provide security for the artists.
As details continue to emerge, the motive behind this violent act remains unclear. While authorities have ruled out robbery, speculation abounds regarding potential personal conflicts. Sayso P, who had recently gained traction in the music industry, was originally from Memphis but had moved to California, raising questions about any existing tensions back home.
The shooting has sparked fear and anger within the community, particularly given its occurrence in a busy downtown area, typically considered safe. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the shooting was caught on surveillance cameras, which may assist police in tracking down the perpetrators. The Memphis community is known for its resilience, and many are hopeful that justice will be served swiftly.
Investigators are urging anyone with further information to come forward as they work diligently to solve this case. The loss of Sayso P is a significant blow to both his fans and the local music scene, and the broader implications of violence against artists continue to resonate in the industry. As the investigation unfolds, the community is left grappling with the tragic reality of this targeted attack and its repercussions.