U.S. Marshals have arrested a suspect in the March shooting that killed Memphis rapper Sayso P and injured Houston rapper Sauce Walka, marking a pivotal development in the case. The arrest of Kevin “KJ” Brown Jr. brings hope for justice after months of investigation into the broad daylight attack that shocked the hip-hop community.
Kevin “KJ” Brown Jr., 23, was taken into custody on October 22, 2025, in Clarksville, Tennessee, by the U.S. Marshals Service Middle Tennessee Task Force. He faces charges including first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, and theft of property. Authorities located Brown at a motel on Wilma Rudolph Boulevard and arrested him without incident before transporting him to the Montgomery County Jail, where he will be held for the Memphis Police Department.
The shooting occurred on March 22, 2025, outside the Westin Memphis Beale Street hotel near the FedExForum, just before 2:45 p.m. Sayso P, whose real name was Latorian Hunt, was fatally shot in what police described as an isolated incident. Houston rapper Sauce Walka, born Albert Walker Mondane, sustained injuries but survived the attack. Memphis Police quickly identified the vehicle used by the suspects to flee the scene and began pursuing leads.
Sayso P was an emerging talent in the Memphis music scene, signed to Sauce Walka’s record label, and his death resonated deeply within the hip-hop world. Sauce Walka, a well-known figure from Houston, had been mentoring Sayso P and was present during the shooting, later expressing grief and determination to honor his protégé’s legacy. The incident drew widespread attention due to the victims’ profiles and the public nature of the violence.
Investigators issued an arrest warrant for Brown on March 31, 2025, following an earlier warrant for another suspect, 21-year-old Jayden Dandridge, on March 26. Dandridge was found dead in Houston on March 27, in what reports described as an execution-style killing, adding complexity to the case. The U.S. Marshals intensified their efforts, leading to Brown’s apprehension after months of tracking.
The arrest operation involved collaboration between the U.S. Marshals and the Clarksville Police Department, which provided crucial support in locating Brown. This joint effort underscores the role of federal and local agencies in addressing violent crime. Brown’s capture without incident highlights the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement strategies in high-profile investigations.
This development may bring closure to the families of Sayso P and Sauce Walka, as well as the broader community affected by the tragedy. It also reflects ongoing challenges with gun violence in urban areas and the importance of persistent investigative work. The case continues to unfold, with legal proceedings expected to follow as Brown faces the charges against him.
The arrest has implications for public safety and trust in law enforcement, particularly in Memphis, where crime reduction efforts are a priority. As the judicial process moves forward, it may influence how similar cases are handled and reinforce the need for community cooperation in combating violence.