MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis urged Memphians to stay home and stay calm in a media briefing at 6:30pm.
“We strongly encourage everyone to stay home if you do not have to be out,” said Chief Davis.
She also said that Memphis police will have an increased presence in areas of the city that would most likely be affected by this shooting.
Memphis Police tweeted "preliminary information indicates" rapper Young Dolph was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon along Airways Blvd.
Officers were called to the scene in the 2300 block of Airways, outside of Makeda’s Cookies, just before 12:30 p.m.
Investigators have not said what led to the shooting, and they have not released information on suspects.
Airways Blvd. is closed at Ketchum Rd. and ramps are closed from I-240 to Airways and traffic is backed up on the interstate. Use an alternate route or avoid the area.
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH.
In a statement on twitter, Memphis Police Chief CJ Davis said: "This shooting is another example of the senseless gun violence we are experiencing locally and nationwide. Our hearts go out to the Thornton family and all who are affected by this horrific act of violence.
The men and woman of the Memphis Police Department are committed to working with our community to curb these types of incidents. We are also dedicated to bringing those responsible to for today's shooting to justice. We encourage anyone with any information on this incident to call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH."
Adolph Thornton Jr., aka Young Dolph, was a Memphis native who started with mixtapes before emerging nationwide around 2014, according to his website bio. He has worked with 2 Chainz, Juicy J of Three 6 Mafia, Young Jeezy, and Rick Ross, among others. His debut studio album, King of Memphis, was released in 2016, and debuted at number 8 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Album Charts.
He had two children, son Tre Tre and daughter Ari, with longtime partner Mia Jaye. He mentioned both his kids by name in his 2020 single, "Sunshine."
Less than a week ago, Makeda's Cookies posted a video to Instagram showing Young Dolph talking about his love of their cookies.
Makeda's posted a statement to its Instagram page, saying: "We are heartbroken and saddened by the passing of Young Dolph. He was a regular customer and loved Makedas Cookies. My parents are in a lot of pain from this. Our hearts and condolences goes out to his family. He will never be forgotten and will be so missed."
Young Dolph was shot in Los Angeles in September of 2017 but survived the incident. Though one suspect was arrested, no one was charged. Young Dolph was also shot at while driving into a concert in February of 2017 but was not injured in that shooting.