Judge Denies Bond for Teen Charged in Deadly Shooting Near High School

Shelby County, TN – An 18-year-old charged in a deadly double shooting near Booker T. Washington High School will remain in jail without bond following a preliminary hearing held today.

Valdemar Patterson was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the April 24th killings of two students. Despite the defense requesting that a bond be set, Assistant District Attorney William Walsh argued against it, citing public safety concerns and the seriousness of the charges. The judge agreed, found probable cause, and ordered Patterson held without bond. The case is now headed to a grand jury for indictment.

Police say on April 24th, an Infiniti vehicle pulled into the South City apartment complex at Mississippi Boulevard and Lauderdale. Surveillance footage captured four armed suspects exiting the car and walking through the complex before opening fire, striking both victims multiple times.

The victims were later identified as 17-year-old Christian Brown and 18-year-old Darrius Wadley. The shooting occurred just steps away from Booker T. Washington High School.

Authorities are still searching for additional suspects in the case.

For Media Inquiries:
Please contact Erica Williams at erica.williams@scdag.com