MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis Police have arrested 22-year-old Yahir Mejia, charging him with second-degree murder in connection with a fatal shooting inside Wolfchase Galleria on Monday.
Police say the incident began when Mejia and his girlfriend were shopping at Village Mart and were approached by the victim, Erik Sandoval. According to Mejia, an argument ensued and Sandoval allegedly punched him, prompting Mejia to fire three shots. Mejia has claimed the shooting was in self-defense, stating, “Don’t ever put your hands on me or my baby mama.”
Investigators, however, reviewed surveillance footage which does not support Mejia’s claim of self-defense.
Mejia returned home after the shooting, where Memphis Safe Task Force members met with his mother. After a brief foot pursuit, he was taken into custody. During the incident, Mejia went live on Facebook, saying he planned to turn himself in, stating, “I didn’t want to turn myself in but… they’re already at both my houses.”
Mejia is scheduled to be arraigned on the murder charge on Wednesday.
In a statement, Memphis Police praised the coordination that led to his arrest: “Yesterday’s arrest was an example of the determination of the Memphis Police Department, our federal partners with the Memphis Safe Task Force, and our Homicide Investigators to keep violent offenders off our streets. Their work ensured this individual was identified and taken into custody without delay. Our commitment to protecting our city remains steadfast, and we will continue working every day to build a Stronger, Safer Memphis.”
