A Night of Violence in Memphis: Wife Shot During Domestic Dispute
What should have been an ordinary summer evening in Southwest Memphis erupted into tragedy on July 19th. Police say Decarlo Pitchford, 51, shot his wife in the abdomen during a heated argument inside their home on Fostoria Road. The victim had reportedly been trying to leave the house when Pitchford became aggressive, attempting to block her escape.
According to her statement, he had a black handgun in hand as tensions escalated. As she passed near the bathroom, Pitchford allegedly positioned himself in the hallway, aimed the weapon, and pulled the trigger. The single gunshot tore through the air — and her body. While she fought through excruciating pain, she told police the shooting was no accident, recalling Pitchford’s chilling words: “I told you to stop playing with me.”
The Stop That Stunned Prosecutors
The moments after the shooting were just as disturbing. Rather than rushing directly to the hospital, prosecutors say Pitchford made an unexpected detour — stopping to buy beer while his wife bled from her injuries in the vehicle. This alleged pause for alcohol has drawn widespread outrage and disbelief across the community, amplifying the severity of the charges against him.
Pitchford eventually arrived at Regional One Hospital, but by that time, police had already been dispatched to their home in response to a shooting call. Officers arrived to find the house empty, and later traced the events back to the hospital visit. The victim’s courage in recounting the ordeal has provided crucial details for investigators and prosecutors, who have charged Pitchford with attempted second-degree murder, domestic assault, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.
Community Outrage and the Shadow of Domestic Violence
The case has struck a nerve in Memphis, where community leaders and domestic violence advocates are once again calling for stronger protections for victims. Stories like this highlight the dangerous escalation that can happen behind closed doors — and the tragic consequences when anger turns to violence.
While the victim’s current medical condition has not been made public, her survival and ability to speak with police offer hope for justice. She now faces a long road to recovery, both physically and emotionally, while the man accused of nearly taking her life remains in custody on a $350,000 bond.
In neighborhoods across Memphis, the story serves as a grim reminder of the hidden battles many endure in silence. Advocates stress that anyone experiencing abuse should seek help before it’s too late, and that community awareness is a vital step in preventing future tragedies.
For now, the focus remains on supporting the victim and ensuring she receives the care, protection, and justice she deserves — while the criminal justice system weighs the actions of a man accused not only of pulling the trigger, but of pausing for a beer on the way to saving the life he nearly ended.
