Memphis Morning Briefing: Crime Updates, Housing Disparities, and a Warm Weekend

Overnight shootings under investigation across the city

Memphis police are investigating a pair of overnight shootings that left at least two people injured. Officers were called late Friday to Techno Lane near Jefferson Avenue, then to Bellbranch Drive near Millbranch Road in Whitehaven about an hour later. Investigators say a victim was found at each scene, but have not yet released details on suspects or the conditions of those hurt. The incidents add to a week of gun violence that has included multiple shootings at gas stations and along major corridors.

Family mourns worker killed at South Memphis gas station

A South Memphis BP station remains a focus of grief and concern after a man was shot and killed while on the job. Police say the victim was gunned down in the 500 block of South Parkway East and died at the scene before help could arrive. Relatives have identified him as 32-year-old Martavius Murphy and describe him as an innocent bystander who had only recently started working at the station. Detectives have not announced any arrests or named a suspect, and the case is being treated as a homicide. The killing has renewed calls from neighbors for more security and a stronger police presence around busy neighborhood businesses.

Early-morning gunfire shuts down stretch of South Memphis artery

Pre-dawn gunfire turned part of Mississippi Boulevard into a crime scene this week, temporarily closing a key route through South Memphis. Dispatchers say the first calls came in around 5 a.m., prompting officers to block traffic near South Parkway while they searched for evidence. Residents reported waking up to flashing blue lights and detours as investigators processed the scene. Authorities have not confirmed whether anyone was hit or what led up to the shots, but the incident added to growing frustration from neighbors worried about violence before sunrise along major streets.

Report flags discrimination in Memphis rental market

A new review of Memphis-area rental listings found what investigators describe as blatant discrimination against prospective tenants. Testers posing as renters reported being treated differently based on race and family status, with some told units were unavailable while others were invited to apply. Advocates say the findings underscore long-standing concerns about fair housing in the city and call for stronger enforcement, better training for property managers, and easier ways for renters to file complaints. Local officials are being urged to use the report to guide policy changes and public outreach.

Warm, unsettled weather may jump-start allergy season

After a stretch of foggy mornings and steady rain, Memphis is settling into a warm, springlike pattern that could stick around through much of the week. Forecasters say on-and-off showers and a few storms remain possible, but afternoon highs will feel more like late March than late February. The flip side is that tree pollen is expected to ramp up quickly, potentially kicking off an early allergy season for sensitive residents. Doctors recommend keeping medications handy and watching air quality and pollen forecasts as temperatures climb.

Sources

https://www.actionnews5.com/2026/02/21/mpd-2-injured-overnight-shooting-investigations/
https://wreg.com/news/crime/police-investigate-fatal-shooting-south-memphis-gas-station/
https://hoodline.com/2026/02/pre-dawn-gunfire-turns-south-memphis-artery-into-crime-scene/
https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/report-finds-blatant-discrimination-among-memphis-rental-properties/
https://www.fox13memphis.com/weather/on-and-off-showers-storms-possible-much-this-week-across-mid-south/
https://www.fox13memphis.com/weather/false-spring-this-week-in-memphis-warm-spell-may-trigger-early-allergy-season/