Our network

March shows desire for student voice in school merger

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - As tensions flair in the Memphis and Shelby County school merger fight, students are now letting their voices be heard. More than 1,000 marchers joined Saturday's Student Responsibility March.

Many students were seen wearing "I Am the Future" T-shirts and boldly displayed their schools' banners as they showed their desire to be an active part of their education.

"We each have our own place in history, but it's our job to make our own and pave the way for others," said Westwood High School student Martavius Donton.

In the march, the National Civil Rights Museum organized a 1.5 mile stretch from Memphis City Hall to the museum courtyard.

"I came out here to support that we are the future," said Westwood High School student Dontavius Reed.

The Student Responsibility March mirrored the Birmingham March of 1963 to stop segregation.

20-year-old killed in street race

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - An investigation is underway in Memphis after 20-year-old Jessie Moore was reportedly killed in a three vehicle accident early Sunday morning while street racing. Police say four cars were involved in the race, but one fled the scene.

According to the police report, Moore was racing his Honda Civic against three Ford Mustangs on Air Park Street south of Premier Avenue.

The red Mustang, going 75 miles per hour with driver Ontario Brown, Jr., struck Moore's Honda on its driver's side door. The red mustang also hit the left front of the orange Mustang with driver Christopher Loftis.

Brown and Loftis were taken to the hospital in non-critical condition. They are both charged with vehicular homicide, reckless driving, and drag racing.

Moore's father says those charges will not bring his son back.

Cement truck crashes into funeral procession, kills woman

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - A woman was killed traveling in a funeral procession when a cement truck crashed into two other vehicles Saturday afternoon, according to police.

Police said the cement truck driver did not notice the traffic ahead of him was stopped for the procession at Third Street and Shelby Drive in South Memphis. He was unable to stop in time and lost control of the cement truck.

"Before I could say no or stop, the truck had already flipped on top of the car," said witness Catreisa Johnson. "I ran straight to the truck. I grabbed her by her hand, told her that, squeeze my hand if you hear me talking to you. But she didn't squeeze my hand."

The cement truck struck the rear of a gray Nissan Maxima and fell over on top of a red Chevy Colorado.

A 49-year-old woman who was in the red Chevy was killed at the scene.

"It was very sad and 'emotion,'" said Johnson.

Police: Man points gun at officers looking for homicide suspect

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV - Several people were arrested after a gun was pulled on Memphis police officers as they searched for a homicide suspect Friday evening.

According to the police report, taskforce officers were in an unmarked vehicle checking the area in the 300 block of Carbon Road when they observed several people standing around.

As the officers tried to pass by, someone in a maroon PT Cruiser blocked the south end of the street while a man pointed a large gun at the officers.

The man pointing the gun was identified as Maurice Reed.

The officers called for backup, who were waiting nearby. The taskforce officers had to flee in reverse to avoid being boxed in by the suspects.

That is when additional officers approached the home where the group was standing.

Reed and another man ran into the house.

Reed was taken into custody, and charged with two acts of aggravated assault.

Mother, son injured in early morning house fire

800 block of Cavalier Drive

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - A mother and her child were burned in a South Memphis house fire Friday morning.

Fire crews received the call that a house was on fire on the 800 block of Cavalier Drive around 3 a.m.

A mother and her two sons were inside the home at the time.

A 7-year-old boy was taken to LeBonheur Children's Hospital with second degree burns on his hand. His mother was taken to The MED to be treated for smoke inhalation.

"They were minor injuries from what we understand but as soon as we can, we're going to get to the hospital to see about it," said Marvin Hill, who owns the home.

Hill owns the house. He says Misty Smalls, a single mother, rents it with her two sons.

Lieutenant Wayne Cooke with the Memphis Fire Department says the house has no working utilities and a candle was found in one of the back bedrooms.

Hill says he is just glad things were not worse.