Authorities say a 13-year-old boy was fatally shot by a relative during a gathering in Memphis.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Tennessee mother celebrating her birthday away from home learned that her 13-year-old son had been shot and killed, and police say the suspected shooter was the son of her brother. The death has left a Memphis family grieving while investigators work through the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Police identified the victim as 13-year-old Ladarrius Payne. Authorities say the shooting occurred in Memphis and involved another juvenile family member. The case has drawn attention because of the close family relationship between the victim and the accused shooter, as well as the circumstances under which the boy’s mother learned of her son’s death while she was traveling for her birthday. Investigators have not publicly disclosed all details surrounding the incident, and questions remain about how the firearm was obtained and what led to the shooting. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
According to authorities, emergency responders were called after reports of a shooting involving juveniles. By the time family members began receiving information, the incident had already turned into a homicide investigation. Payne’s mother later recounted that she was away celebrating her birthday when she received the devastating news. What initially appeared to be an unimaginable tragedy became even more painful when she learned that the suspected shooter was her nephew. Investigators have not publicly described the events that immediately preceded the gunfire, and officials have released limited information about witness accounts. Family members, meanwhile, have begun mourning a teenager they described as loved by relatives and friends. The loss reverberated through multiple branches of the family because both the victim and the accused are closely related. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Officials have confirmed that the accused shooter is a juvenile. Because of the ages involved, authorities have not released the same level of identifying information that would typically accompany an adult criminal case. Law enforcement agencies continue to review evidence, interview witnesses, and determine exactly what occurred before the fatal shot was fired. Investigators have not publicly indicated whether the shooting stemmed from an argument, horseplay, an accidental discharge, or another set of circumstances. They also have not disclosed details regarding the firearm involved. Such questions are expected to play a significant role as prosecutors and juvenile court officials evaluate the evidence. At this stage, authorities have focused on establishing the facts surrounding the shooting while providing updates to the victim’s family. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
The case arrives amid continuing concerns across the United States about children gaining access to firearms and becoming involved in shootings. Incidents involving juveniles, whether intentional or accidental, often raise questions about weapon storage, supervision, and accountability. In Tennessee and elsewhere, law enforcement agencies frequently emphasize that investigations involving minors require additional procedural safeguards and privacy protections. The Memphis case stands out because of the family ties connecting the victim and the accused. Relatives now face the dual burden of grieving a child’s death while also confronting allegations against another child within the same extended family. The emotional toll of such cases can complicate investigations and court proceedings as families navigate both criminal justice processes and personal loss.
Legal proceedings are expected to continue through the juvenile justice system unless prosecutors seek a different course permitted under state law. Authorities have not announced any final charging decisions beyond the initial allegations connected to the shooting. Investigators are expected to complete forensic reviews, gather witness statements, and present evidence to the appropriate court authorities. Additional information could emerge through court filings or future police briefings. Officials have not announced a timetable for the next public update. Family members have also begun memorial efforts honoring Payne, whose death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from those who knew him. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Relatives have spoken publicly about the shock of losing a child under such circumstances. The victim’s mother described the experience of learning about her son’s death while she was away celebrating her birthday, a moment that quickly turned from celebration to grief. Friends and family members have remembered Payne as a young teenager with his life ahead of him. Community members have shared messages of support as the family attempts to process the tragedy. At the same time, the involvement of another juvenile relative has added a painful layer of complexity to public reactions. Those close to the family have expressed sorrow for everyone affected while awaiting further information from investigators and the courts. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
The investigation remains active. Authorities continue gathering evidence and reviewing the circumstances of the shooting as family members prepare memorial arrangements for Payne and await the next developments in the case. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Author note: Last updated May 30, 2026.