Memphis Teen Arrested in Brother's Killing on Amselle Circle

15-year-old charged with first-degree murder, taken to juvenile detention facility

Jan. 31, 2026 at 7:23pm

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A 15-year-old boy has been arrested by the Memphis Safe Task Force and charged with first-degree murder after his brother was found dead in the 3200 block of Amselle Circle in Memphis. The teen was taken into custody at the scene and is currently being held in a juvenile detention facility as the investigation continues.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges Memphis faces with youth violence and the role of specialized task forces like the Memphis Safe Task Force in responding to serious crimes. It also raises questions about how the juvenile justice system will handle a case involving an alleged homicide by a minor.

The details

According to reports, the Memphis Safe Task Force responded to the Amselle Circle address on Wednesday and took the 15-year-old suspect into custody at the scene. The teen has been charged with first-degree murder and is being held in a juvenile detention facility as the investigation continues. Authorities have not released the names of those involved or provided additional details about the incident while they work to piece together what happened.

  • The incident occurred on Wednesday in the 3200 block of Amselle Circle in Memphis.
  • The 15-year-old suspect was arrested at the scene by the Memphis Safe Task Force on Wednesday.

The players

Memphis Safe Task Force

A multi-agency operation led by the U.S. Marshals Service that has been conducting intensified sweeps and fugitive arrests across Memphis since late 2025.

Shelby County prosecutors and juvenile court officials

Will decide what happens next in the case, including whether the juvenile will face adult prosecution.

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What’s next

Under Tennessee law, a juvenile charged with a serious offense such as first-degree murder can face a transfer hearing to determine whether the case should move to criminal court for adult prosecution. The law requires advance notice and a probable-cause finding before a transfer, and it sets out specific detention and housing rules for juveniles who are transferred.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges Memphis faces with youth violence and the role of specialized task forces in responding to serious crimes. It also raises questions about how the juvenile justice system will handle a case involving an alleged homicide by a minor, and whether the suspect will be tried as an adult.