A man detained after the Hickory Hill shooting was later released, and no charges had been filed as police continued investigating.
MEMPHIS, TN — A 5-year-old boy died after being shot Saturday afternoon in Memphis’ Hickory Hill neighborhood, police said.
Memphis police officers responded to a report of shots fired near Innsbrook Drive and Birch Run Lane shortly before 5 p.m. Aug. 1. Officers found the child critically injured, according to information released by police and reported by local news organizations.
The boy was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Authorities had not publicly released his name as of Monday or provided additional information about where he was when the gunfire occurred.
Police initially detained a man during the investigation. An update released Sunday said the man had been released and that no charges had been filed. Authorities did not identify him or explain what led officers to detain and later release him.
Investigators also had not said whether the shooting was believed to have been intentional or accidental. Police had not publicly described the circumstances leading to the gunfire, identified a possible shooter or announced whether a weapon had been recovered.
The child’s death remained under investigation. Police had not disclosed whether other people were present during the shooting or whether investigators were reviewing surveillance video, interviewing witnesses or searching for additional people connected to the case.
The shooting occurred in Hickory Hill, a community in southeast Memphis. The intersection identified by police is near homes and apartment properties, but authorities had not specified the exact location where the child was found.
Police asked anyone with information about the shooting to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH. Tips submitted through CrimeStoppers may be made anonymously.
No arrests or charges had been announced by early Monday. Police said the investigation was continuing, and further details were expected only if investigators confirmed new information or identified a person responsible.
Author note: Last updated Aug. 3, 2026.