Tourist Couple Robbed Near Sun Studio

Tourists Robbed Near Sun Studios
This is the type of crime we don't cover very often.  Fortunately, tourists are rarely the victims of violent crimes.  But this was pretty scary.  A husband and wife were beaten and robbed after leaving Sun Studio.  I fund the police report by chance and pulled the paperwork down at 201 Poplar.  I was able to get the wife on the phone after the couple had returned home to Missouri.

Positive story leads the news!

Sequestered Jurors Save Child
I'll admit it.. I cover a LOT of crime.  All Memphis TV stations cover a lot of crime.  There's a lot of crime to cover in Memphis.  But it's nice, once and a while, to cover a positive news story.  This one was pretty incredible.  Two sequestered jurors (a pediatrician and a nurse no less) happened to be entering their hotel when a child nearly drowned in the pool.  They saved the child's life.  I was able to interview all of the main players.  

Down in the Delta for disturbing story

Nun attacked in rural North Mississippi home - Action News 5 - Memphis, Tennessee
I've seen some pretty pathetic looking small towns in my 15 years of covering news.  Cotton Plant, AR ranks up there.. And, now, so does Jonestown, MS.  But at least Jonestown has the help of a group of nuns who moved there many years ago.  One of them was attacked during a home invasion.  Fortunately, the suspect was arrested.  We got his mug shot in the hour before this story aired.. So I had to re-track and get it re-edited at the last minute.

Marathon Shift Reporting Manhunt End

Bain sisters found safe; Adam Mayes dead
This is a link to our coverage Thursday night of the end of the Adam Mayes manhunt.  He was on the lam for 2 weeks with kidnapped sisters.. wanted for killing their mother and older sister.  The nationwide search included dozens of officers in the Alpine, MS area.  That's where things ended when Mayes shot himself in the head after being confronted by cops.  The girls were safe.  I worked a double and my photographer and I were up 24 hours straight.  It was exhilarating.. and reminded me of why I love my job.

Beale Street "Boondoggle"

Beale Street Landing prepares for docking of American Queen
I've been following the progress of the Beale Street Landing project in downtown Memphis practically from its inception.  Once called a "boondoggle" by several city council members, the project is now years behind schedule and millions over budget.  This story is an update on the progress as the city anticipates the arrival of the American Queen steamboat.. Which will use the Beale Street Landing dock.

Crime that hits close to home

Midtown walkers falling victim to robbers
The above link is to a story about the armed robberies of walkers in Midtown that occurred in the middle of the day.. when most people least expect to be victimized.  It reminded me of a recent rash of armed robberies in my very own neighborhood.  People have been approached by robbers while walking to and from their cars and even to the mailbox.  Thankfully, two armed men who pistol-whipped a victim last week before raiding his home were arrested.  Covering crime can often be unsettling.. but especially when you realize how easily you could become part of the story.

Pinata at party prompts Facebook firestorm

U of M picture controversy
My photographer could not believe someone would think the photo featured in this story might be offensive to someone.  But many on Facebook thought it was.. from undertones of racism to sexism.  I tracked down the U of M student who took the photo and had a little fun with this one.  I even got to buy a pinata.  I'm still trying to figure out when I'll use it.