A Memphis man has been arrested and charged after police say he fatally shot a woman during a heated argument that escalated into violence. According to the Memphis Police Department, officers responded to a shooting call on September 23 along Morningside Street near Marsh Avenue.
When they arrived, they found a woman suffering from a gunshot wound. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but later died from her injuries. Investigators identified the suspect as 38-year-old Calvin Earl Johnson, Jr. Court documents show that Johnson admitted to officers at the scene that he was responsible.
According to the affidavit, he told police directly, “I shot the victim.” A witness provided further details, telling investigators that both Johnson and the woman had been drinking before the dispute began. The argument, which centered on religion, grew increasingly intense.
The witness said the disagreement eventually turned physical, at which point Johnson retrieved a shotgun and fired, striking the victim in the abdomen. Police recovered the weapon and took Johnson into custody without further incident. He has since been charged with first-degree murder and remains in custody as the investigation continues.
The victim’s identity has not yet been publicly released, pending notification of family members. Authorities said additional charges could be filed as the case develops. For neighbors in the Morningside Street area, the deadly shooting has left shock and grief.
What began as a dispute between acquaintances ended in tragedy, with a woman losing her life and a man now facing the most serious criminal charge under Tennessee law. The Memphis Police Department said the case highlights the devastating consequences of violence in moments of conflict.
Johnson is expected to appear in court in the coming days to face the murder charge. As one witness recalled, the dispute may have started with words, but it ended in irreversible loss: a woman dead, a family mourning, and a suspect behind bars.