MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – A man is facing charges in connection to a mass shooting last month.
Pacarie Roberts, 21, was arrested and charged with criminal responsibility for facilitation of first-degree murder, arson and theft of property.
“I’m pleased an arrest was made in this case. Any mass shooting, any murder, is of course a top priority. This one’s especially disturbing as it disrupted the work of a great violence intervention program working specifically to reduce gun violence—one of several such programs needed in Memphis. While recognizing the presumption of innocence, we hope that all the others responsible for this crime are found, so we can vigorously prosecute all of them.”Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy
Police say Roberts was involved in the shooting at Memphis Allies on April 9.
Six people were shot, and one victim, Matthew Williams, 22, died at the scene.
Williams’ family tells Action News 5 that he was a participant in the community violence intervention program Memphis Allies, and was attending a meeting when he was killed.
Roberts has an extensive criminal record that includes illegal possession of weapons, theft and vandalism.
According to a police affidavit, Roberts was one of four people stopped by police on April 11–just two days after the shooting at Memphis Allies.
Officers identified a 2010 Audi that was used in the homicide, driven by Roberts, and a Nissan with three others in it.
Both vehicles arrived at Adam’s Tires on Summer Avenue, where all four were detained.
Officers were able to arrest the four on various drug charges, but Roberts was later released on bond because officers did not have enough evidence to book him on charges related to the homicide at that time.
Records show dozens of incidents involving Roberts being arrested and charged with stealing cars. But most charges were dismissed.
CrimeStoppers is offering a $50,000 reward for information that could lead to an arrest of the shooter in this case.
“The Memphis Police Department’s investigators need the public’s help,” said David Wayne Brown, director of CrimeStoppers. “We are sure there are people with knowledge of this crime. We hope this award amount will bring someone forward to contact us. Every call or text is guaranteed anonymous.”
