A Memphis mother of three has been arrested and charged after she allegedly shot and killed the father of her three children following an argument over keys, according to Action News 5, Fox 13 Memphis and WREG.
On Tuesday, May 21, around 10 p.m. local time, the Memphis Police Department was called to a home on Ardmore Street after a shooting, according to a court affidavit obtained by Fox 13.
After officers arrived, the children who were outside the home told police that their mother, Elita Bean, had shot their father, Terrence Bean. When authorities entered the home, Elita was in the kitchen and Terrence was on the floor. Elita told police she and Terrence were struggling over the firearm when it went off, according to court documents.
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One child told investigators at the home that their parents had argued over the keys. They said Elita allegedly took a knife and tried to stab Terrence while she was in the kitchen. The child said Terrence then grabbed the gun, handed it to Elita and allegedly told her to “shoot him,” according to the affidavit.
The affidavit added that investigators noticed that Terrence’s right middle finger and left forearm were cut. Elita was arrested after being treated at the hospital for shoulder pain.
Elita allegedly shot the father of her children three times. He was pronounced dead at the scene after Memphis firefighters arrived, Action News 5 reported.
The mother described the reaction when the son of the TikTok influencer allegedly called her and admitted that he had killed the woman
A large knife was found in a trash can in the garage and a 9mm handgun was found in the bedroom. Elita was reportedly too drunk to share a detailed statement with authorities, according to WREG.
“It’s painful to hear that someone is on drugs, or drugs, smokes or anything and drinks, that’s what I feel like it opens the door to crime, you know, people don’t think about having a gun, being drunk. You’re killing someone,” the neighbor told WREG.
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Elita is charged with second degree murder. Her arraignment is scheduled for Friday, May 24, according to court documents, according to Fox 13.
The Memphis Police Department shared a brief statement about the incident via X (formerly Twitter), writing: “On May 21, 2024, at 10:09 p.m., officers responded to the 3300 Block of Ardmore Street in reference to a shooting. Officers located a male victim with an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.”
It added that the “investigation is ongoing” and asked those with information to call 901-528-CASH W/TIPS.
Memphis police did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
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Source: HIS Education