Memphis Police have arrested 22-year-old Yahir Mejia in connection with the fatal shooting of Erik Sandoval inside Wolfchase Galleria on Monday. Mejia has been charged with second-degree murder following the deadly altercation.
According to police reports and court documents, the incident unfolded when Mejia and his girlfriend were shopping at Village Mart and were approached by Sandoval. Mejia stated that an argument ensued, during which Sandoval allegedly punched him in the face, prompting Mejia to fire three shots. Mejia claimed that the shooting was in self-defense, saying, “Don’t ever put your hands on me or my baby mama.”
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However, investigators reviewed surveillance footage from the scene, which contradicted Mejia’s version of events and did not support his self-defense claim.
Arrest and Facebook Live Confession
Mejia fled the scene but later returned home. Police, assisted by the Memphis Safe Task Force, were able to locate him after speaking with his mother and engaging in a brief foot chase. Mejia was apprehended and taken into custody. Notably, during the incident, Mejia went live on Facebook, where he stated, “I didn’t want to turn myself in but… they’re already at both my houses.”
He is scheduled for arraignment on Wednesday for the murder charge.
Memphis Police Praise Collaborative Efforts
The Memphis Police Department praised the teamwork involved in Mejia’s swift arrest. In a statement, they highlighted the combined efforts of local and federal partners with the Memphis Safe Task Force, as well as the Homicide Investigators, who worked tirelessly to identify and apprehend the suspect. The department reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of the community, stating, “Our commitment to protecting our city remains steadfast, and we will continue working every day to build a Stronger, Safer Memphis.”