Myneishia Johnson with her son, 1-year-old Kylan Johnson.(Photo: Courtesy photo, The (Memphis) Commercial Appeal)
MEMPHIS — One-year-old Kylan Johnson will walk with his grandmother across the stage at Booker T. Washington High School's graduation on Saturday
to pick up his mother's diploma.
Myneishia Johnson, 18, was shot and killed Sunday in downtown Memphis. Her funeral is scheduled for Friday.
"She was looking forward to graduation. Now I'm going to bury her in her cap and gown," Myneishia's mother, Terri Johnson, said Monday. "She was such a fun person. She loved to laugh."
Myneishia was walking with friends Sunday at around 12:30 a.m. when a man in a car drove by and opened fire, police said. The bullets struck Myneishia and her two friends. She died at the scene while a 19-year-old and 23-year-old were taken to Regional Medical Center. Police don’t believe she was the target.
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Kwasi Corbin, 19, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in Sunday's shooting. In an affidavit, Corbin told police that he pointed an assault rifle and opened fire into the group. The motive is unknown.
Myneishia had been playing basketball since the ninth grade, her mother said. The honor student was considering going to college but hadn't decided where. Steven McKinney, who coached Myneishia in basketball and volleyball at Booker T. Washington, said she was also considering a career in the military. McKinney added that Myneishia had recently gotten a job at Burger King to help provide for her son.
Myneishia is one of 46 teens and juveniles gunned down in Memphis since 2010. So far this year, 14 children and teens have been killed by gun violence.
Violent crime in the heart of downtown is rare.
Downtown Memphis Commission President Terence Patterson said he is taking this violent crime seriously, adding that 6 million visitors come to downtown each year.
"We continue to work at making sure downtown is safe and secure," Patterson said.
Memphis Police Col. Gloria Bullock said there is already a large police presence downtown following Sunday's homicide.
"Our prayers are sent for the family and friends of the victims of this heinous crime. We will continue to do our best to provide a safe environment for tourists and residents," Bullock said.
Despite the rarity of Sunday's shooting, some Memphians expressed concern.
"I bring my kids down here and it makes me nervous. They'll visit me at the office or we'll go to lunch," said Nick Brown as he stood Monday at the spot where Johnson was killed.
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