Memphis Police are still on the hunt for the woman responsible for the tragic shooting and killing of a Church’s Chicken employee, Anitra West. The incident took place at a Church’s Chicken location on Park Avenue near Semmes Street in Orange Mound and has left the community in shock and disbelief.
Authorities have released surveillance footage of the suspect, described as a black female with a slim build, wearing a black outfit at the time of the shooting.
The heated verbal dispute began over what police confirmed to be a dispute over an order. Police said the worker, who the family has identified as Anitra West, was working the drive-thru window of the restaurant when a woman with purple hair driving a teal compact SUV argued with West at the window.
After the SUV drove off, police said West went outside of the restaurant to get some air.
Just moments later that SUV came back, firing shots that hit West.
West was taken to the hospital, where she died.
“If you are upset with someone, angry with someone, if you are frustrated with someone; it should never get to the point where you are stalking them at their job and ultimately murdering them. Your life isn’t worth more than that,” said Britney Thornton, (D) Shelby County Commission.
Now the Orange Mound community is on edge after another senseless act of violence.
Thornton is an Orange Mound native and represents District 10 in the Shelby County Commission. She said recent events, including the Church’s Chicken shooting, her best friend getting robbed at gunpoint, and a mass shooting at Orange Mound Park in April, shows this community is lacking resources, including for mental health.
“It’s important for us to come together to communicate what we need. We know these incidents are beneath us and we need to speak up about the community that we will have,” Thornton said.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our team members. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their family during this difficult time. We are working closely with the Memphis Police Department on their ongoing investigation.”
Church’s Chicken spokesperson said West had been working there for a year.
Memphis Police are urging anyone with information about the suspect or the shooting to come forward and help in the investigation. The community has come together to support the victim’s family and to demand justice for the senseless act of violence.
As the search for the suspect continues, the community remains on edge, hoping for a swift resolution to this tragic and shocking incident. The loss of a beloved member of the community has left a deep impact on all who knew the victim, and the hunt for the perpetrator continues as Memphis Police work tirelessly to bring her to justice.
Flip the page for the surveillance video.
