Newly released surveillance footage has shed light on the tragic shooting that occurred outside a Memphis hotel on March 22, leaving one man dead and rapper Sauce Walka injured. The chilling video, published by TMZ on March 25, captures the chaotic scene where multiple gunmen ambushed their targets in what police are calling a “targeted attack.
The grainy black-and-white surveillance video shows a white Dodge Charger pulling up near the entrance of the Westin Hotel in downtown Memphis, close to the FedExForum. As the car slows down, three armed suspects emerge, their weapons drawn. Within moments, gunfire erupts, sending people scrambling for cover.
One individual, who authorities believe is Sauce Walka, is seen dashing away from the gunfire. The suspects focus their shots on a black Cadillac Escalade parked nearby. The video then shows the shooters retreating quickly back to their vehicle before speeding away, leaving behind a scene of devastation.
Although the footage does not have audio, the visuals alone highlight the brutal and calculated nature of the attack. Memphis police have stated that the suspects remain unidentified and at large as the investigation continues.
According to Memphis Police Department Assistant Chief Don Crowe, the incident is not random.
“The victims were outside by a vehicle when the suspects pulled up. Multiple people exited the vehicle and began firing without saying a word. They then got back into the car and fled the scene,”
Crowe explained in a press conference.
Authorities suspect that the gunmen knew their targets and had planned the attack. Reports suggest that Sauce Walka may have been spared intentionally after one of the shooters recognized him, reinforcing the theory that the assailants were after a specific individual.
The shooting claimed the life of 29-year-old Letorian Hunt, known in the music world as Sayso P. The young rapper had been closely affiliated with Sauce Walka and was a rising star in the hip-hop scene. Investigators believe Sayso P was the intended target of the attack.
Sauce Walka, the Houston-based rapper known for his energetic flow and charismatic personality, was also caught in the crossfire. He suffered a gunshot wound to the thigh but survived the attack. He was treated at a local hospital and is now recovering.
Following the tragic event, Sauce Walka took to Instagram to express his grief and frustration. In a heartfelt post, he said he had urged Sayso P to stay inside their hotel room that night.
“I wish your fat ahh listened to me and stayed in the room. I told you we could smoke that blunt later,”
He wrote. His words carried the pain of losing someone he considered family.
Sayso P’s mother, , has spoken out, claiming her son was “set up” by envious individuals. In a Facebook post, she dismissed any speculation that her son was involved in criminal activity.
“Haters set him up, but not because he stole a dime; he would give you his last before he would steal anything. Please stop spreading rumors.”
She wrote.
Redwing believes her son’s biggest downfall is his loyalty to the wrong people.
“Too loyal to the wrong people was his biggest downfall. But I won’t let y’all steal his legacy,”
She added. Her emotional response reflects the deep sorrow and frustration of a mother who lost her son to senseless violence.
Memphis police are working tirelessly to track down the suspects responsible for the attack. They analyze surveillance footage from nearby businesses and utilize advanced forensic technology to identify the perpetrators.
Authorities have also assured residents and visitors that downtown Memphis remains safe, emphasizing that this incident was isolated.
“This was not a random act of violence. Our investigation indicates that the victims and suspects knew each other,”
The police department said.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and the shooters remain on the run. Law enforcement is urging anyone with information to come forward to help bring those responsible to justice.
The hip-hop community has been deeply affected by the loss of Sayso P. Many artists and fans have expressed their condolences and frustration over the ongoing violence that continues to plague the rap industry.
For Sauce Walka, the pain is personal. He lost not just an artist he mentored but a friend and brother. He has vowed to keep Sayso P’s name alive, making sure the world remembers the rising star taken too soon.
