In a tragic turn of events, Memphis Police have identified Monica Williams as the suspect in the fatal shooting of Anitra West, a dedicated employee at a local Church’s Chicken, on Monday night. An arrest warrant for First-Degree Murder has been issued for Williams, who is now in custody.
The heartbreaking incident unfolded around 9 p.m. at the Church’s Chicken located at 2963 Park Avenue in the historic Orange Mound neighborhood. According to initial police reports, a confrontation occurred between Williams and West at the drive-thru window. The Memphis Police Department (MPD) confirmed that the two women engaged in a heated dispute over a food order.
However, Anitra’s ex-husband, Lorenzo West Jr., firmly believes the motive behind the killing was deeply personal and not merely over a fast-food transaction. “I know Anitra was too important to be killed about some food. It wasn’t about no food. It was something somebody took personal and couldn’t let it go,” he stated emphatically. “Once you get past words in Memphis, everybody knows how it turns out.”
Eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage provided further details on the sequence of events. Williams, who was driving a distinctive teal-colored SUV, was seen leaving the drive-thru area after the dispute. In an effort to calm herself, Anitra West stepped outside the restaurant to get some fresh air. Tragically, just moments later, a gunshot rang out. The same teal SUV was captured on video speeding away from the parking lot. Anitra was discovered lying outside the establishment, gravely wounded.
Emergency responders rushed Anitra to Regional One Health, a prominent trauma center in Memphis. Despite their best efforts, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival. Anitra West’s untimely death has left a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
“She was a good girl. I’ll miss her,” said Lorenzo West Sr., Anitra’s father-in-law, his voice filled with sorrow. “You always miss the ones that keep it different. She wasn’t just a fit-in type. She was different. And if that one’s not around, it’s like something’s missing. I don’t have daughter-in-laws, I have daughters. When she married into the family, I told her, ‘You’re my daughter now.’”
The loss has been particularly hard for Lorenzo West Jr., who shared that his last conversation with Anitra was about the possibility of rekindling their relationship. “We talked about getting back together,” he revealed, adding another layer of poignancy to the tragic narrative.
Anitra West was known for her warm personality and dedication to her job, making her a beloved figure among her colleagues and customers at Church’s Chicken. Her senseless death has sparked outrage and grief within the community, with many calling for justice and an end to such violence.
The community’s outpouring of support and the shared memories of Anitra’s life serve as a testament to the impact she had on those around her. As her family and friends navigate this difficult time, they hold onto the hope that justice will prevail and that Anitra’s memory will continue to be a beacon of love and resilience in the face of adversity.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Church’s Chicken location at Park Avenue has become a site of mourning and reflection, with many leaving flowers and messages of condolence. The company has expressed its deepest sympathies to Anitra’s family and has vowed to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.
Memphis, a city with a rich history and a resilient spirit, stands united in its quest for justice and its commitment to remembering Anitra West, whose life was tragically cut short.