Memphis, Tennessee
February 04, 2015
Agencies: Memphis Police Department Tennessee | Tennessee Bureau of Investigation TBI | US Marshals Service Western District of Tennessee
Cause of death: Shooting
Last updated: over 5 years ago
On Feb. 4, a law enforcement “task force,” including Memphis police officers, shot and killed Markell Atkins, 36. U.S. marshals, who led the task force, allegedly came to the home of Atkins to serve a warrant for his arrest in the death last year of a child. The cops claim Atkins, who was black, threatened them with a knife so they killed him. Family members present at the home said Atkins was in the backyard feeding a pet when the cops came.