Family identifies 76-year-old man killed in Whitehaven shooting | News

MEMPHIS, Tennessee – Memphis police are investigating a shooting in Whitehaven that left a 76-year-old man dead.

It happened just before 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday in a house near the corner of Auburn and Blanchard.

The victim’s family told FOX13 that no one saw this senseless crime coming.

The victim’s cousin was identified as Willie Jackson by his cousin, Bishop William S. Wright of the Liberty Church of God in Christ.

Wright said Jackson is retired and spends much of his time riding and tinkering with motorcycles.

“It was unbelievable to me when I got this information,” Wright said. “Very disturbing.”

Wright spoke to FOX13 while officers worked the crime scene at Jackson’s home.

Investigators cordoned off the block around the victim’s house. The ATF was also on site.

“I’m just trying to piece together the information from the people who were there,” Wright said.

“It’s a pretty quiet area, so I have no idea what could have happened.”

Wright said Jackson, co-founder of the Street Hogs Motorcycle Club, was well-liked by other motorcyclists and repaired his bikes from his home.

“He’s very well known in this area,” he said. “That was his thing, you know?

Work hard and get the chance to ride a bike on the weekends. That was his goal.”

Wright told FOX13 he had no idea why this happened to his cousin and had this message for the suspects:

“Pull yourself together. Stand up. Say it’s over and surrender to God,” he said. “Whatever happened, it shouldn’t have happened. You still have the opportunity to stand up and that same God will do something for you.”

MPD said there was no information on the suspect or details on a motive.

Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at (901)528-CASH.