Authorities said officers were dispatched to the school grounds shortly after sunrise, where they located the victim lying behind the property. Emergency personnel confirmed the man had suffered gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not been released pending notification of family members.
The discovery shocked both staff and parents arriving at the school, which remained closed off in part as police worked to secure the area. Officers immediately established a perimeter, gathering evidence and speaking with possible witnesses. Crime scene tape stretched across nearby fields as detectives searched for shell casings, weapons, or signs of a struggle.
Investigators said it is not yet clear whether the victim was killed at the location or if his body was left there after the shooting occurred elsewhere. The proximity to an elementary school has heightened concerns, though authorities emphasized that no students or faculty members were in danger and the incident is not believed to be connected to the school itself.
Residents of the Hickory Hill community described the situation as deeply unsettling. Some neighbors reported hearing gunfire late Thursday night, though they did not realize until Friday morning that a man had been killed nearby. Others expressed fear over the growing violence in the area, particularly when it occurs so close to places meant to be safe for children.
The Memphis Police Department has not released information about possible suspects, but they confirmed detectives are pursuing leads and reviewing surveillance footage from the school and nearby businesses. Officers are also canvassing the neighborhood to identify anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the hours before the victim was found.
Community leaders have urged anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward. They stressed that even small details—such as vehicles seen in the area, unusual noises, or unknown individuals present overnight—could be vital in solving the case. Crime Stoppers of Memphis and Shelby County is offering a cash reward for information leading to an arrest.
Friday’s discovery adds to a growing number of homicide investigations in Memphis this year, continuing a troubling trend of deadly gun violence in neighborhoods already struggling with safety concerns. Officials say they remain committed to addressing the issue but acknowledge that cooperation from residents is essential in bringing perpetrators to justice.
The incident has also sparked conversations about the need for greater security measures near schools and public spaces. Parents arriving at Winridge Elementary voiced relief that children were not present at the time but worry about what the scene could mean for the future safety of their families.
Police confirmed that the school will resume normal operations, though additional patrols will be stationed in the area to reassure families and deter further incidents. Counselors will also be made available for staff members and students who may feel uneasy following the discovery.
The investigation remains active, with authorities pledging to release further updates as soon as they are available. In the meantime, the Hickory Hill community continues to process the shock of a life lost to violence so close to where children learn and grow.
