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CrimeStoppers paid up to $4,000 cash awards in five separate murders this month. Those awards to tipsters were among two dozen anonymous citizens who received payment for helping solve felony crimes.
Three of the tipsters were awarded for helping identify killers. Two others were awarded for providing the location of fugitives wanted in homicide cases.
In one case, according to Memphis Police reports, three people in a Toyota Corolla were shot at by a passenger in a Nissan Altima, who fired several shots early in the morning of July 23, 2023. Police said the shooting was the result of a road rage incident.
Javeon Bowden was struck by gunfire and died at Methodist South Hospital. License plate readers helped police track down the Altima’s owner and then the passenger, Rozell Hughes, 25, who was charged with first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder.
A warrant was issued but the whereabouts of Hughes was unknown to authorities.
On October 11 a tip came to CrimeStoppers that Hughes could be found on South Third Street.
The Memphis Police Department’s Fugitive Squad, accompanied by U.S. Marshals, went to the address and arrested Hughes.
In an apparent record year of murders in Memphis, 14 killings thus far were solved with the help of citizens who contacted CrimeStoppers at 528-CASH with information.
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