Federal and local law enforcement agencies have closed a chapter in a South Memphis homicide investigation with the arrest of a second suspect in Oklahoma City. Joseph Harris, 37, was taken into custody without incident on Friday, August 7, by the U.S. Marshals Western Oklahoma Fugitive Task Force. His apprehension came just one day after Ashundra Lee, 39, was arrested on Thursday, August 6, in connection with the same crime.

The arrests mark the culmination of a focused manhunt led by the Memphis Safe Task Force, a multi-agency team that works alongside the U.S. Marshals Service to track down violent fugitives. Officials confirmed that both Harris and Lee are suspects in the shooting death of a motorcyclist on July 21. The fatal incident occurred near the intersection of Wilson Street and Gil Avenue in South Memphis, a neighborhood that has seen its share of violent crime but where this particular killing drew heightened attention from detectives.

Investigators have not disclosed the sequence of events that led to the shooting, nor have they released a possible motive. What is clear is that the suspect’s flight to Oklahoma City did not go unnoticed. The Memphis Safe Task Force, which combines resources from multiple local and federal agencies, coordinated with the Marshals Service to track the individuals across state lines. The Western Oklahoma Fugitive Task Force, a specialized unit known for its efficiency in apprehending wanted persons, executed the arrests without incident.

While Lee was picked up first on Thursday, Harris was located and arrested the following day. Both are now in custody and are expected to be extradited back to Tennessee to face charges. The arrests bring a measure of relief to the victim’s family and the community, though the investigation remains active. Law enforcement officials have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests or further charges.

The case highlights the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in solving violent crimes. The Memphis Safe Task Force, in particular, has been instrumental in reducing the backlog of fugitive cases in the region. By leveraging the Marshals Service’s nationwide network, local detectives were able to extend their reach far beyond Shelby County. The Oklahoma City arrests serve as a testament to the persistence of investigators and the commitment to bringing justice to victims of homicide.

As the legal process moves forward, the suspects will have their day in court. For now, the community in South Memphis can take note that two individuals accused of a deadly shooting are no longer on the streets. The Memphis Police Department has refrained from releasing further details pending the extradition proceedings, but they have expressed gratitude for the swift work of all involved agencies.

The case also underscores the ongoing challenges of violent crime in Memphis. While the arrests are a win for law enforcement, they also serve as a reminder of the work that remains to be done. The July 21 shooting was one of many that have occurred in the city this year, and each incident leaves behind devastated families and neighborhoods. For now, the focus is on ensuring that the suspects are held accountable, and that the victim’s family receives the closure they deserve.