NBC Action News 5 reporter Joyce Peterson nearly broke down in tears on air while covering the violent crime surge in Memphis, Tennessee.
Peterson choked up during her on-the-ground coverage of a shooting that erupted late Wednesday and was livestreamed on Facebook. The Memphis Police Department arrested 19-year-old Ezekiel Kelly who spent hours terrorizing the city, switching cars several times and shooting seven people.
“Memphis is tired right now,” an emotional Peterson said. “Yeah, I’m good, I’m with you all. Memphis is tired right now. The Eliza Fletcher kidnapping and abduction and murder. The other crimes we’ve had this year leading up to this, it’s difficult right now. Bear with me, it’s a very nerve-racking night.”
Memphis newscaster nearly breaks down in tears on live TV discussing the city’s violent crime wave. pic.twitter.com/rzHqP2G2Up
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) September 8, 2022
Kelly filmed his alleged attacks on a Facebook livestream Wednesday, where one segment showed him aiming and firing his gun at a person inside an auto parts store. The shooting spree killed four people and injured three more. One deadly shooting occurred at a BP gas station, while another shooting took place near I-240, Fox 13 reported. The incidents occurred in a time span of roughly nine hours, with the first victim being shot shortly after 4:30 p.m. and another shooting reported after 1.00 a.m. (RELATED: Mika Brzezinski Chokes Up While Talking About Texas Shooting)
In a separate incident, police confirmed the death of Eliza Fletcher on Tuesday. Fletcher, a 34-year-old mother and kindergarten teacher, was forced into a black GMC Terrain during a morning jog. Officers found her body Monday evening.
Authorities arrested and charged Cleotha Abston, 38, with first-degree murder and first-degree murder in perpetration of kidnapping. He has also been charged with aggravated kidnapping and tampering with evidence. A witness said Abston washed his clothes and the inside of his vehicle in the aftermath of the kidnapping.
The total crime rate in Memphis stands at 7,912 per 100,000 people, which is 237.3% higher than the national average, according to FBI crime data. The violent crime rate is over 500% higher than the U.S. average.