Memphis, TN-Possible Serial Killer Targeting Prostitutes

Memphis may have a possible serial killer targeting women near the area of Elvis Presley Blvd. near Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Over the past two months, a total of four women have been murdered in Memphis, TN and their bodies have been dumped within the same vicinity. All four murder victims were killed and dumped near Mount Carmel Cemetery which lies between Elvis Presley Blvd. and Elliston Road. A fifth woman was shot several times, including in the face, and left for dead. This victim survived and escaped and was able to give police a description of the suspect. The suspect has been described as a black male 20-30 years old, driving a Pontiac Bonneville or Grand Am.

As of now the only connection between the women is the fact that they were all prostitutes. The first body was found at the end of January. The last one was discovered weeks ago on the 24th. The youngest was 24 years old and the oldest 44.

Here are more details from My Fox Memphis:

The victims have been identified as 28-year old Jessica Lewis and 44-year old Rhonda Wells. Police records show they were arrested before for prostitution.  Two weeks before the bodies of Wells and Lewis were discovered, 31-year old Tamakia McKinney was found a mile away from the cemetery murdered and lying in the middle of Hemlock Street. Two weeks ago, sources say another prostitute, who goes by the name Katrina, was shot multiple times in the face, thrown from a car, and left for dead on Ledger Street, also less than a mile from Mount Carmel Cemetery. She’s been released from the hospital. Sources say another prostitute, Marnicia Shaw, was found dead inside a hotel room on Brooks Road back on February 12th. It’s in the same area as the others but police tell us that case is not connected.

Anyone with information on the deaths of these women, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (901) 528-CASH (2247). You can also submit your tip to 528cash.org, or you can text your tip by typing the keyword AWARD to 274637 (CRIMES). You will remain anonymous, and you could be eligible to a cash reward of up to $1000.

Danielle Malmquist Custody Case

From the moment I heard the story ofDanielle Malmquist’s ugly custody battle with her ex-husband over their two young boys on My Fox Memphis, I smelled a rat. Typically I don’t jump to conclusions when it comes to situations like this because there are always three sides to the story, her side, his side and the truth. So upon hearing her side I decided that something just wasn’t right.  

Here are two videos of Ms. Malmquist from My Fox Memphis telling her story to anyone who will listen

The main point that makes me believe that Danielle Malmquist’s side of the story is not the complete truth is the fact that her children were taken from her, the father was given sole custody, leaving the mother with only visitation rights. For those who have any knowledge of divorces and or child custody you know that removing a child from the custody of their mother is not a very easy thing to do. In most cases unless the mother is found unfit, the children will remain with her regardless of who the children want to live with. In this case, with allegations flowing from both parents the children were somehow removed from the mother’s care and she was given visitation. Not joint custody…visitation.

I found this old story about Danielle Malmquist on the Thaddeus Matthews blog, which might I add always has the best stories and on point topics from Memphis.From the comments you can tell that no one really knows the truth about this case. Amidst Ms. Malmquist accusations that her husband who is a pilot for Federal Express is trying to defame her reputation and fabricate stories about her, she also alleges that Federal Express is somehow tied in with the conspiracy.

Ms. Malmquist tearfully recounts the story to the news about how difficult and expensive it is for her to see her children who live in Memphis while she resided in California (she has recently moved back to Memphis). Ms. Malmquist reported that the expenses to see her children are much more than she can afford to pay (she makes $9.25/hr) and that she is being treated unfairly by the court system. Here are the estimates of what Ms. Malmquist would pay monthly if she chose follow the court order 

$325/month child support

$800/month fee for visitation at family service’s center

$200/month travel cost

True, that may seem a tad bit on the expensive side for any person to see their children, but I have a question, does anyone consider that when a father is ordered visitation? No one wants to hear a father crying and pleading because he has to pay expenses for his children. No one gives a damn that he feels that he doesn’t make enough money to see his children as much as he would like. So what should make Danielle Malmquist’s plight so heart wrenching?

What I would like to know is why is she being required to visit her children in a supervised environment?

Why have all of the agencies that Ms. Malmquist sought help from turned her down?

Why is she still unable to see her children as ordered now that she has moved back to Memphis. That should greatly cut down on the expenses, so why is she cancelling visitation visits.

After hearing that Ms. Malmquist was jailed  for contempt of court, stemming from harassment of her ex husband and violation of the judge’s order I am beginning to wonder if her intentions are solely focused on reclaiming custody of her children or if Ms. Malmquist has a hidden agenda.

I would definitely like to know the end result of this case, if there ever is one.