U.S. Marshals and Local Law Enforcement Partners Capture Suspect in Deadly Memphis Restaurant Shooting

Memphis, TN – On April 3, 2023, U.S. Marshals and local law enforcement partners captured Johnny Sanford, 36, who was recently identified as one of the shooters that left two dead and five others injured at the Prive Restaurant. The Memphis Police Department has charged Sanford, of Memphis, with First-Degree Murder and Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

On March 29, Memphis police responded to a shooting at the Prive Restaurant on Winchester Road. One victim died at the scene, and another victim was transported to Regional One Hospital where he later died due to his injuries. Five other people were injured. According to MPD Investigators, there was a fight inside the club, which led to the shooting outside of the restaurant.

On April 3, the U.S. Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force (TRVFTF) in Memphis adopted the case. Members of the TRVFTF, Shelby County Sheriff’s Fugitive Apprehension Team, and the Memphis Police North Main Task Force arrested Sanford at 311 Exchange Street in Memphis where he surrendered without incident.

The U.S. Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force is a multi-agency task force within Western Tennessee. The TRVFTF has offices in Memphis and Jackson, and its membership is primarily composed of Deputy U.S. Marshals, Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputies, Memphis Police Officers, Fayette County Sheriff’s Deputies, Jackson Police Officers, and the Tennessee Department of Correction Special Agents. The primary mission of the Task Force is to arrest violent offenders and sexual predators.