MEMPHIS, TN — A 19-year-old man is facing a first-degree murder charge after a deadly shooting at a Memphis house party earlier this month, according to the Shelby County affidavit of complaint and authorities. Police say De’Von D. Washington was taken into custody Monday and linked to the Nov. 3 killing of Terry Sharp.

The Facts

• What: De’Von D. Washington was arrested and charged in connection with a fatal shooting at a house party.
• Where: The shooting happened at 3653 Brompton Road in Memphis, and Washington was arrested in the 2700 block of Burns Avenue.
• When: The shooting took place Tuesday, Nov. 3, and the arrest was made Monday, Nov. 9.
• Who: Police say Terry Sharp was killed; Terrance Avant gave investigators an account of the confrontation; Washington is identified as the suspect.
• Charges: First-degree murder in the perpetration of aggravated robbery, aggravated robbery and employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony.
• Status: Washington was arrested without incident and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

What police say

Memphis police said officers were sent to the Brompton Road address after a shooting call and found Sharp suffering from gunshot wounds. He died at the scene. Investigators later interviewed Avant, who said he and Sharp had been at a house party where several men were armed.

Avant told police he and Sharp were trying to leave when a man he knew as “Von” blocked his path and pressed a pistol into his stomach. According to the affidavit, the man took Avant’s weapon while two other armed men stood nearby. Avant said he did not resist because he feared being shot.

Police said Avant told them Sharp also had a gun and drew it in defense of himself and Avant. A gunfight followed between Sharp and the group associated with “Von,” and Sharp was struck and killed during the exchange. The affidavit does not say who fired the fatal shot.

Authorities said Washington was arrested without incident after the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Apprehension Team and the Memphis Police Department Gang Unit executed an arrest warrant.

The investigation

After the shooting, detectives searched the Brompton Road home under warrant and recovered several cellphones. Investigators said photos on one of the phones showed the house party and people who attended, including images of the man known as “Von.”

Police then developed Washington as a suspect and showed Avant a six-person photo lineup. According to the affidavit, Avant identified Washington as the man who robbed him at gunpoint and the person he knew by that nickname.

Cases like this often depend on witness statements, phone evidence, and scene work that can connect a suspect to a location and a sequence of events. Investigators also use warrants, lineup procedures, and evidence collection to test whether one account matches the physical and digital record. Authorities have not announced additional arrests.

If police have not named a public tip line in a case, residents with information are generally encouraged to contact the investigating agency or CrimeStoppers through its local reporting channels.

What the charges mean

In Tennessee, first-degree murder under the felony murder rule can apply when a death happens during certain serious felonies, including aggravated robbery. That means prosecutors do not have to prove that the accused personally fired the fatal shot if they believe the killing happened during the underlying felony.

Aggravated robbery is a more serious form of robbery because it involves factors such as a deadly weapon or the threat of serious bodily injury. A charge for employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony is separate and can add more exposure if prosecutors prove the gun was used in the crime.

At this stage, the charges are allegations. In a criminal case, the state must present evidence in court, and the defendant has the right to challenge the proof, question witnesses and enter a plea. An arrest warrant and affidavit can outline the allegations, but they are not a final finding of guilt.

What happens next

Washington is presumed innocent unless and until a court convicts him. The next steps in a case like this typically include an initial court appearance, formal review of the charges and later hearings as prosecutors and defense attorneys exchange evidence.

If the case proceeds, prosecutors may present more evidence before trial, and a judge will handle bond and scheduling questions under Tennessee court rules. Authorities have not announced any other arrests in the shooting.

Have information on a crime? Contact local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).