Police in Tennessee said they are investigating after a woman was shot in an apparent domestic situation in Cordova.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call at about 11:45 a.m. Thursday at a home in the 1000 block of Cross Wood Lane.
According to sheriff’s deputies, the incident appears to be a domestic violence scene.
The woman was taken to Regional One Health in critical condition. The sheriff’s office said Thursday evening the woman, 28-year-old Marquicha Thomas, died hours after the shooting.
Deputies arrested and charged 33-year-old Byron Pipkin with first-degree murder, convicted felon in possession of a handgun, domestic assault-bodily harm and existing arrest warrants.
He was arrested after he barricaded himself in a South Memphis hotel Friday afternoon.
Detectives later found out that Thomas and Pipkin got into an argument at their home. Court documents state that one witness saw Pipkin shoot Thomas as she tried to run out of the garage.
When Thomas collapsed in the front yard, officers said Pipkin dragged her back into the garage before going into the home and telling a six-year-old girl to “come with him.” Pipkin then reportedly fled the scene with the six-year-old.
Police said Pipkin then called 911 and told operators he was following the person who shot his girlfriend. He allegedly claimed that another man was the shooter during the 911 call, but officers later determined that Pipkin was the shooter.
Officers also said Pipkin dropped off the six-year-old girl at an acquaintance home before leaving the area. Pipkin was found one day after the shooting in Economy Inn on Ketchum Road after police received a tip on his whereabouts.
The sheriff’s office said Pipkin barricaded himself and refused to come out of the room after they gave verbal commands. Pipkin’s loved ones also showed up to assist investigators. Police said Pipkin walked out of the room two hours later and was taken into custody.
According to court documents, Pipkin was previously convicted for aggravated assault in 2012.
He is now being charged with first-degree murder, convicted felon in possession of a handgun, domestic assault and existing arrest warrants.
Pipkin is expected to appear in court on July 5.
Marquicha’s family put together a GoFundMe account to help with her eight children. You can donate here.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH.
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