Two men broke into an apartment in Memphis last week and began assaulting a man inside his bedroom—but the victim fought back with lethal force.
The incident occurred around 4:40 a.m. Tuesday. Police reports indicate that Devonta Johnson and Zarian Sanders went to an apartment on Madewell Street to see the mother of Johnson’s child. The pair allegedly kicked in the front door, which had been barricaded with a couch.
Inside, they began beating their victim. During the assault, Johnson drew a handgun, leading to a struggle over the weapon that culminated in the victim shooting Johnson. Johnson died from his injuries. Sanders later threatened and hit the victim with a rifle, took the handgun, and fled the scene.
Sanders was arrested and booked on charges of especially aggravated burglary, convicted felon in possession of a handgun, aggravated assault, and employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. Police identified Sanders as a 23-year-old individual who had been convicted last September after pleading guilty to theft of a firearm valued at less than $2,500.
