Two Memphis Gang Members Convicted in Racketeering Murder

Jury finds 'Unknown Vice Lords' members guilty of killing fellow gang member over suspicion of betrayal

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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A federal jury in Memphis has convicted two high-ranking members of the 'Unknown Vice Lords' street gang for the murder of a fellow gang member they suspected of betrayal. The victim was killed in retaliation for the earlier murder of the gang's Supreme Elite Chief in 2019.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing problem of gang violence and racketeering in Memphis, which has struggled with high rates of violent crime. The conviction of these gang members for a brazen murder demonstrates the efforts of law enforcement to crack down on organized criminal activity.

The details

According to prosecutors, 42-year-old Edward Allen and 29-year-old Deandre Rodgers, both members of the Unknown Vice Lords gang, conducted their own internal investigation after the 2019 murder of their Supreme Elite Chief. They came to believe that a fellow UVL member was responsible and executed that person five days later.

  • The Supreme Elite Chief was murdered in 2019.
  • The victim was killed by Allen and Rodgers five days after the Chief's murder.

The players

Edward Allen

A 42-year-old high-ranking member of the 'Unknown Vice Lords' street gang in Memphis.

Deandre Rodgers

A 29-year-old high-ranking member of the 'Unknown Vice Lords' street gang in Memphis.

Unknown Vice Lords

A Memphis street gang that was involved in racketeering and the murder of one of its own members.

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What’s next

Sentencing for Allen and Rodgers is scheduled for May 11th, where they face a maximum penalty of life in prison.

The takeaway

The conviction of these gang members demonstrates the efforts of law enforcement to crack down on organized criminal activity and hold violent offenders accountable, even within their own criminal organizations.