Early Monday morning, tragedy struck in South Memphis when Pastor Ricky Floyd was fatally shot outside Momma's Bar and Grill, leading to charges of voluntary manslaughter against Samantha Marion, 42.

Pastor Ricky Floyd, a notable Memphis religious leader, died after a fatal shooting incident following a heated argument outside a local restaurant and bar, Fox13 Memphis reported.

The incident occurred around 1 a.m. at the corner of Crump and Kentucky Street. Pastor Floyd, known for his active community involvement and leadership at The Pursuit of God Transformation Center, became involved in an argument with Marion inside the establishment.

According to the Memphis Police Department, the dispute escalated, continuing outside the bar. Witnesses described the situation as tense, with Pastor Floyd becoming increasingly irate and aggressive.

Surveillance footage from the scene showed that Floyd, in a moment of anger, threw Marion's phone along with a beer can. He then drove away from the scene, only to return shortly after to confront Marion again.

Surveillance Captures Key Moments Before Shooting

Further camera footage caught an important sequence of events. Samantha Marion appeared to be recording Floyd on her phone as he exited his vehicle, ready to confront her once more. A witness attempted to intervene as the situation intensified.

As captured on video, after the intervention, Marion walked toward Floyd. He then backed away and suddenly collapsed to the ground where he remained motionless. Tragically, he did not rise again, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police later found a single cartridge casing near where Floyd fell. Despite the ongoing chaos, Marion called the police herself, confessing to shooting Floyd in the road.

Community Reacts to the Loss of a Leading Faith Figure

The news of Floyd's death was first reported by FOX13 around 9:30 a.m., with confirmation of his identity by Memphis Police coming shortly after. The community and Floyd's congregation were plunged into mourning by the news of his demise.

Rev. Earle Fisher reflected on Floyd's unique approach to faith leadership: "Those of us who knew Pastor Floyd knew him as a very eclectic kind of faith leader," highlighting his efforts in economic development and public safety beyond conventional pastoral roles.

Mayor Paul Young expressed profound grief over Floyd's death, emphasizing the impact of gun violence in Memphis and calling for collective action to prevent such tragedies. "This must stop. We cannot allow senseless violence to define us," he stated.

Memphis Mourns as Leaders Pledge to Honor Floyd's Legacy

The Pursuit of God Church issued a statement lamenting the loss and highlighting Floyd's commitment to the community. They asked for patience and prayers as they prepared to announce details regarding memorial services and honoring his legacy.

The Memphis City Council also shared their condolences, pointing out Floyd's significant contributions as a community advocate and member of the Memphis Police Advisory Committee. They acknowledged his vital role in bridging gaps between law enforcement and residents.

As the city comes to terms with this tragic incident, Pastor Floyd's legacy of service and community engagement is remembered. His leadership is acknowledged as a beacon of hope and empowerment, with a commitment to justice, peace, and unity.

Local and National Leaders Call for Reflection and Action

As reflections on Pastor Floyd's life continue, local and national figures underscore the urgent need to address the underlying issues of gun violence that plague communities. Pastor Floyd's work and influence remain a powerful motivation for many to seek meaningful change in Memphis.

Residents and leaders alike are encouraged to honor his memory by working together to foster a safer, unified community. This tragic event underscores the ongoing challenges in combating violence and the crucial role of community leadership in guiding change.

As the community mourns, the loss of Pastor Ricky Floyd serves as a rallying point for renewed efforts toward peace and safety in Memphis. His impact on countless lives leaves a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations.