A man accused of a lengthy crime spree in Memphis, resulting in the death of both a dog and a man at a local smoke shop, has been indicted on a staggering 48 charges by the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office.

Details of the Crime Spree

The crime spree, which unfolded in February 2024, covered a distance of over six miles and lasted for more than three harrowing hours. Courdarion Craft, the accused, initiated the spree at 9:15 a.m. by breaking a truck’s window on Shelby Drive. Within just 45 minutes, Craft allegedly escalated his criminal activities by carjacking a woman for her 2010 Nissan Maxima on the same street.

Prosecutors assert that the situation turned deadly when Craft proceeded to shoot and kill Fares Yahya at a smoke shop on Shelby Drive around 10:15 a.m. Craft reportedly confessed to his involvement in Yahya’s tragic demise. Shortly thereafter, at 11:15 a.m., shots were reportedly fired into a church on Pilot Drive, an incident for which Craft has also been charged.

Escalation of Violence

Craft’s rampage continued with alarming intensity. Just 20 minutes later, at 11:35 a.m., he allegedly damaged a security camera valued at over $50,000. Minutes afterward, at 11:40 a.m., Craft reportedly opened fire on a building on Commerce Circle, resulting in multiple injuries and the death of a dog.

In a final act of aggression during this spree, at 12:05 p.m., Craft reportedly carjacked another woman on Perkins Road, this time stealing her Dodge Charger.

Legal Response and Consequences

Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy expressed the community’s stance on such egregious acts, stating, Crime sprees like this simply won’t be tolerated. We’ll prosecute them vigorously, as evidenced by the 48 counts in this week’s indictment. The defendant remains in custody pending trial, and we intend to keep it that way.

Craft’s alleged involvement in the crime spree became clearer when officers discovered a Glock 19, an AK-47, and stolen merchandise in the abandoned Nissan Maxima. Following a mental evaluation, Craft was deemed fit to stand trial. He currently awaits an arraignment set for June 5 and remains in jail without bond.

Conclusion: Upholding Justice

As the legal proceedings unfold, the indictment of Courdarion Craft on 48 charges underscores the commitment of authorities to uphold justice in the face of such egregious criminal acts. The community awaits the forthcoming trial, seeking closure and resolution in the wake of this disturbing crime spree.

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Sources:

• Shelby County District Attorney’s Office
• NEWS.ORG 13 Memphis

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