MEMPHIS, TN — A man from Memphis has been sentenced to over 18 years in federal prison for ambushing a 60-year-old homeowner in his front yard and shooting him during a brutal carjacking, as announced today by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Jaylen Simpson, aged 23, received a sentence exceeding 18 years in prison, along with five years of supervised release, after he pleaded guilty to carjacking that resulted in serious bodily injury and for discharging a firearm during the commission of the crime.
The shocking event took place at approximately 7:45 a.m. on May 16, 2024, when the unsuspecting victim went outside his home in Memphis to mow his lawn. Simpson, who had been hiding in the backyard, suddenly appeared and shot the man in the stomach before taking his car keys and fleeing in the victim’s vehicle.
“A Calculated and Brutal Act”
“This was a calculated and brutal act of violence against an unsuspecting man in his own front yard in broad daylight,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti. “We are grateful to our law enforcement partners for their swift response and commitment to public safety. The Criminal Division will continue to aggressively prosecute armed offenders who threaten the safety of our neighborhoods.”
Jason Stankiewicz, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Nashville Field Division, condemned Simpson’s “premeditated and horrendous” actions, calling them a “blatant disregard for human life.”
A violent crime triggered a three-hour chase through Memphis, involving both vehicles and foot pursuits. Police eventually captured Simpson, who had a loaded Walther Creed 9mm pistol in his backpack—the very firearm that had been reported stolen just days prior.
As per court documents, Simpson confessed during interrogation that he had intentionally chosen the victim, waited for him to leave his house, and then fired shots before taking the vehicle.
Victim Endured Weeks of Recovery
The 60-year-old victim was swiftly transported to the hospital due to life-threatening injuries. He underwent a four-week recovery period, during which he had several surgeries to address the gunshot wound in his abdomen.
Thanks to the home surveillance footage, prosecutors successfully identified Simpson entering the vehicle right after the shooting, with a handgun in his possession.
Ultimately, Simpson pleaded guilty before the trial commenced, thus avoiding the courtroom while still taking responsibility for his violent actions.
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