WMC-TV: News, Weather, Traffic, Radar, and Sports for Memphis, TN; WMCTV.com | Family reacts to Raleigh-Egypt High School student's murder

Family reacts to Raleigh-Egypt High School student's murder

By Jason Miles - bio | email | Twitter | Facebook

MEMPHIS, TN (WMC-TV)- An 18-year-old student of Raleigh-Egypt high school was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon as he walked home from school.

According to police, the shooting happened around 3:00 p.m. in the 3500 block of Ridgemont, near New Allen.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found the victim, Levi Brown suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. He was transported to The MED, where he later died.

His family says Levi Brown had ambitious dreams for as a shy, humble, kid.

"Always wanted to be a rapper," said his father, Joseph Brown.  "Wanted to sing."

Joseph Brown is among those coming to terms with the teen's sudden death.

"I had six sons and two daughters and now only five sons and two daughters," he said

Brown, a senior at Raleigh-Egypt High School, was nearly home when police say he was ambushed while walking down Ridgemont Avenue.  His blood stained-clothing marked the spot where he was shot multiple times.

"We believe it's an escalation from a school fight earlier in the day at Raleigh-Egypt," said MPD Lt. Col. J.M. Willis.

Chopper 5 was over some apartments near the school shortly after the shooting.  That's where police say a person of interest was arrested.  He is a student teen from Raleigh-Egypt as well.  Brown's family says he'd recently had problems with gang members there.

"Not only is it there," said Joseph Brown.  "He went to Trezevant before and there's a lot of gang activity there, and we know it's running rampant in this city now."

"I just want, man, I just want justice for my little brother," says Isaac Brown.  He was one of Levi's brothers.  "That's it, that's all I can ask for."

Isaac Brown works as a security officer, and hopes the teen's violent death strikes a nerve with parents.

"Watch your kids, know what's going on, look at the colors they wearing and different organizations," he said. "Because it's out here and it's real."

It remains unclear about whether Brown's killer or killers were on foot or in a car.  Police say the school-mate arrested has not yet been charged.

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