MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE: A massive manhunt is underway in Memphis for a gunman accused of murdering two young girls and two women, and critically injuring another female in three different incidents on Saturday, November 18.
Mavis Christian Jr, 52, is wanted by police in connection with the four-hour-long shooting spree that occurred on November 18.
He is accused of killing two girls and injuring a woman at one location before fatally shooting another woman at a second location at 6.40 pm.
Christian is also accused of shooting a fourth woman at 9.22 pm in a separate incident, and police say he fled each scene in a white 2017 Chevrolet Malibu.
The attacks have been regarded as domestic violence-related, and investigators have stated that Christian is a relative of the victims, and have refused to disclose anything further.
What happened on Saturday?
Officers were dispatched to the 3636 block of Field Lark Drive just after 6 pm, where they discovered two young girls dead and another adult gravely injured.
The injured woman was taken to Regional One Health Hospital for immediate treatment. A third woman was killed at 5050 Warrington Road at 6.40 pm, while a fourth woman was killed at a third address on 196 Howard Drive around 9.20 pm.
Christian was recognized as the suspect in all three shootings, and he escaped each scene of the crime in a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu, according to authorities.
They have requested the public to call 911 immediately if they spot Christian or his vehicle.
However, they've issued a warning not to approach or engage with him since he is considered "armed and extremely dangerous."
What have police officials revealed about the murders?
Memphis Police Department released a statement that said, “Through the course of the investigation, it has been determined that this scene and two other recent shooting scenes are connected and involve the same suspect,”
Officer Chris Williams told DailyMail, “It's truly, truly disheartening going into the holiday season.”
He added, “As a father it breaks my heart, these are somebody's kids, sisters, aunts. These are people, real people and this has devastated an entire family.”
He said in conclusion, “We just ask the community, deescalate. If you're in a situation where you know it's going to get tense or there is about to be some issues or some problems, walk away.”
A multi-jurisdictional manhunt has begun for the suspect, Mavis Christian Jr, involving local, state, and federal authorities.
