Memphis Police have charged a 22-year-old man in connection with a deadly shooting that unfolded Monday afternoon inside the Wolfchase Galleria. Officials announced Tuesday that Yahir Mejia has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder following the death of 23-year-old Erik Sandoval.
According to investigators, the confrontation began inside the Village Mart store, where Mejia and his girlfriend were shopping. Police reports state that Sandoval approached the pair, sparking a verbal altercation that quickly escalated. Mejia later told detectives that Sandoval punched him in the face, prompting him to pull out a firearm and fire three shots. He insisted the shooting was an act of self-defense, reportedly telling officers, “Don’t ever put your hands on me or my baby mama.”
However, detectives say that surveillance footage from the mall contradicts Mejia’s version of events, undermining his claim of self-defense.
Following the shooting, Mejia fled the mall and returned to a residence. Members of the Memphis Safe Task Force contacted his mother, and police tracked him down shortly afterward. After a brief foot chase, Mejia was taken into custody. At one point during the search, Mejia reportedly went live on Facebook, claiming he planned to surrender, stating, “I didn’t want to turn myself in but… they’re already at both my houses.”
Mejia is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Wednesday.
In a statement, Memphis Police credited coordinated efforts between local officers, federal partners, and homicide investigators for the swift 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,” the department said. “Our commitment to protecting our city remains steadfast, and we will continue working every day to build a stronger, safer Memphis.”
The investigation remains ongoing.