May 21, 2021
HOMICIDE
A Cold Case
U.S. Army Sgt. Calvin Wilhite Jr. was walking on South Fourth Street the night of Sunday, May 24, 2015 after a visit to the Historic Beale Street District with his fiance. They had just passed the FedEx Forum when he became involved in an argument with two males in a vehicle that pulled up beside them.
To avoid a continued confrontation, the couple crossed the street, but the vehicle’s driver urged Wilhite back into the street. When he stepped toward the car a passenger in the vehicle opened fire. The vehicle fled the scene, headed southbound on S. Fourth. and across Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd.
Wilhite was taken to Regional One hospital where he later died of his injuries. The Shelby County Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide. The driver was described as a black male, about 22 to 25 years old, of light complexion with hazel eyes and a high fade haircut with curls on top. The passenger who fired was described as a black male, with the same age range, medium to dark complexion, a chubby face and a fade hair style. The vehicle was described as a greenish gray color 4-door Chrysler Sebring.
Special award money has been raised in this case so that a total of $20,000 award is possible to anyone with information that helps lead to an arrest. Anyone with information should contact CrimeStoppers by call or text to 528-CASH (2274).