29-04-2025
Arrest made after woman found shot dead in Midtown
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man accused of shooting a woman to death in Midtown last month is now in Memphis Police custody.
Officers say on March 20, around 7:50 a.m., they were called to a suspicious person call on 1021 Melrose Street.
When they arrived, a woman was found unresponsive on the ground with a gunshot wound to her stomach and lower left hip. She was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
Police have identified her as Jah'Zaria Lewis.
ORIGINAL STORY: Woman found dead in Midtown, homicide suspected
During the investigation, police say Traileon Adell was developed as the gunman responsible for the murder.
Police say a witness told them that Adell and the woman were dating. The witness also told police that Adell drives a black Kia, which was developed as the vehicle the victim was driven tothe murder scene in and later recovered by police.
On April 25, investigators say they went to the DeSoto County Jail to interview Adell, where he initially denied all involvement. However, investigators say that when Adell was confronted with evidence, he confessed.
Sources say argument over car led to weekend shooting spree
Adell says he went to pick the victim up from her home in the black Kia. While driving to his aunt's house, Adell says he drove through a fence. That is when he claims the victim got mad and started to curse at him.
According to Adell, he pushed the victim out of the car, but she continued to yell and curse at him. He says he then shot an assault rifle in the air several times before leaving the scene.
Traileon Adell, 21, is charged with second-degree murder.
Adell was committed to jail on Monday and is being held on a $300,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday morning.
Memphis Murder Map 2025
The scene of the shooting is near the west end of Southern Avenue, on the border between Midtown and South Memphis.
A large chain link fence surrounding a business was seen with heavy damage the day after the shooting. Police said the body was found near the fence.
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