Tommy Lee Applewhite Identified as Suspect in Fatal Frayser Shooting of Mar Houdini Spanky [VIDEO]

Memphis police have identified Tommy Lee Applewhite as the suspect arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of Mar Houdini Spanky, also identified by authorities as Rodriguez Antwon Poplar, in the Frayser neighborhood.

According to information confirmed by the Memphis Police Department (MPD), the deadly shooting occurred during the early morning hours of Friday, January 9, on Point Church Avenue near North Trezevant Street.

Officers were dispatched to the area just before 4:45 a.m. after hearing gunshots while clearing a separate call nearby. Upon arriving at the scene, officers observed a man holding a firearm and quickly realized that another individual had been shot.

“When they pulled down in the area to investigate what was going on, they could see the suspect with the weapon in his hand, and they realized we had a victim that had been shot,” said MPD Major Kimberly Collier.

Police said the shooting stemmed from a dispute that took place in a driveway. The victim was struck multiple times in the stomach and was transported to the hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries.

The suspected shooter was identified as 43-year-old Tommy Lee Applewhite, who has since been taken into custody. MPD confirmed that Applewhite is currently being held in jail and is facing multiple charges related to the shooting. Additional details regarding the charges have not yet been released.

The incident has raised concerns among local workers and residents in the area.

Cassy Smith, who works nearby, said the presence of gun violence is deeply troubling.

“I don’t really know what to say about that. I wish the violence would stop — that’s what I wish,” Smith said. “I pray that the world gets better. I was shocked. I was like, ‘A shooting on this street? I work on this street. I hope I’m safe on this street.’”

The Memphis Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.