Patrolman Larry Paul Childress

Larry Paul Childress

Patrolman Larry Childress was shot and killed when he and his partner responded to a report of a home invasion robbery in the 5600 block of Shady Grove Road.

The two suspects had impersonated police officers to gain access to the house and when inside tied up the occupants. One of the hostages was able to break free and call police. When Patrolman Childress and his partner arrived Patrolman Childress went to the side of the house while his partner knocked on the front door.

While on the side of the house Patrolman Childress encountered the two suspects and was shot and killed.

Both suspects were apprehended, along with a third man that was driving a getaway car. All three, ages 46, 36, and 32, were convicted to robbery and murder and sentenced to life in prison. One of the suspects was denied parole on August 12, 2003, but was eventually paroled. The oldest had a updated mugshot made in 2003 and later died in prison. The third suspect was paroled in 2019.

Patrolman Childress was a United States Air Force Veteran and had served with the Memphis Police Department for 14 years.