MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A 19-year-old, known as Thirt Slime, has been charged with first-degree murder and several other crimes in connection with the shooting death of a two-year-old boy in Orange Mound, authorities confirmed Tuesday.
According to the U.S. Marshals Service, Jalen Thomas faces charges including first-degree murder, criminal attempted first-degree murder, employing a firearm with intent to commit a felony, and two counts of reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon. The charges stem from an April shooting on Josephine Street in Orange Mound, during which the toddler was fatally struck by a stray bullet while playing outside with his uncle, according to the Memphis Police Department.
Authorities reported that Thomas was taken into custody as part of a coordinated operation by the Memphis Safe Task Force at approximately 12:15 p.m. on October 28, 2025, in the 1000 block of S. Lauderdale Street.
The shooting has left the Orange Mound community in mourning, as neighbors and family grapple with the loss of a young life. Officials say the investigation into the circumstances of the shooting continues.
Police and federal authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.