Juvenile Transferred to Adult Court on Felony Murder Charge in Deadly Shooting

Shelby County, TN. — An 18-year-old charged in a deadly 2025 Memphis shooting has been transferred to adult criminal court to face a felony murder charge in connection with the death of 22-year-old Omarion Cowley.

Anthony Laird Jr., who was 17 at the time of the offense, was transferred on March 11 on the charge of First-Degree Murder in the Perpetration of a Felony (Aggravated Robbery). The bond was set at $200,000. The state requested $500,000.

The case stems from an August 1, 2025 shooting in the 400 block of Betty Bayou Avenue, where Memphis Police officers responded to a call and found the victim suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators allege the shooting occurred during an attempted aggravated robbery involving two suspects. Witness statements and investigative findings identified Anthony Laird Jr. and Cody Gray as the individuals involved.

Gray, an adult co-defendant in the case, is currently in custody.

The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office said the case highlights its continued focus on violent crime through the V11 initiative, which prioritizes the prosecution of the most serious offenses and moves those cases forward quickly.

The case is being handled by Assistant District Attorneys Sam Winnig and Stephanie Russell.