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Tennessee authorities arrest teenage suspect for fatal shooting of Ladainian Cathey
Ladainian Cathey was fatally shot on Sunday morning shortly after attending his prom
Authorities in Tennessee have arrested a seventeen-year-old suspect in connection with the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Ladainian Cathey.
The Memphis Police Department confirmed that the arrest took place on Monday, 20 April 2026, following the violent incident that occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Cathey, a high-school senior, was found by officers at approximately 1:40 a.m. and transported to a local hospital, where he was tragically pronounced deceased.
The suspect, whose identity has been withheld due to his age, has been charged with first-degree murder in the perpetration of a robbery.
The shooting took place just hours after Cathey had attended his senior prom. Family and friends described the victim as a vibrant young man with a promising future.
Jaylon Dodson, a local barber, recalled giving Cathey a haircut the day before the event, noting that he "walked out smiling" and was excited for his special night.
His mother, Lakeisha Johnson, expressed her immense grief on Facebook, writing, "My son had a great life that was my best friend, my heart is shattered into pieces."
She shared that she is struggling to remain strong while relying on the precious memories of her "baby."
While the police have not yet detailed the specific circumstances leading up to the confrontation, the charges suggest a targeted robbery that turned deadly.
The community has rallied around the family, holding vigils and sharing social media tributes to honour the teenager’s memory.
Cathey had recently been accepted into several universities and was planning to study business administration following his graduation this summer.
