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Crime Crisis: Memphis’ reputation as ‘crime city’ raises broad concerns

By , Daily Memphian Published: April 21, 2022 4:00 AM CT
<strong>Before he died, 12-year-old Artemis Rayford wrote a letter to Gov. Bill Lee saying he feared passage of the permitless gun carry bill would get someone murdered. His words came true when he was killed by a stray bullet on Christmas Day, as he played video games.</strong> (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian file)

Before he died, 12-year-old Artemis Rayford wrote a letter to Gov. Bill Lee saying he feared passage of the permitless gun carry bill would get someone murdered. His words came true when he was killed by a stray bullet on Christmas Day, as he played video games. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian file)

“What is troubling here ... is the narrative around crime is so strong, so in your face all the time.”

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Don Wade

Don Wade

Don Wade has been a Memphis journalist since 1998 and he has won awards for both his sports and news/feature writing. He is originally from Kansas City and is married with three sons.


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