In Memphis, Tennessee, a community is mourning the loss of a beloved father, husband, and son. Byron Gardner, a military veteran and a man known for his warm heart and infectious smile, lost his life in a senseless shooting at a short-term rental home in Midtown.
Byron’s wife, Tangenika Gardner, shared their love story with the media, describing their journey from high school sweethearts to proud parents of four. “He didn’t deserve this,” she said, her voice filled with heartbreak. “He was genuine, always making people smile, no matter what.”
The tragic incident happened late Saturday night. Byron was DJ-ing a party at a rental home near Pine Street and Linden Avenue in Midtown. After the event ended, he was loading his equipment into his car. It was just after 2 a.m. on Sunday when shots rang out.
Tangenika was there with him. “I ducked instantly,” she recounted. “I called his name, but he didn’t move.” Her worst fears were confirmed when police later reported that Byron didn’t survive his injuries.
Tangenika believes her husband wasn’t the intended target. “We didn’t really know anyone there, except the birthday girl,” she explained. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the shooting, one thing is clear: their four children now face life without their loving father.
Through her grief, Tangenika holds tightly to one final, beautiful memory. Before the event, she had helped Byron fix a speaker. “He told me I was his everything and gave me the biggest hug and kiss,” she recalled. “I didn’t understand it then, but I just accepted it. That will always be my greatest memory of him.”
The Memphis Police Department is still investigating and hasn’t made any arrests. If anyone has information about the shooting, they’re urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH.
This heartbreaking tragedy has left a hole in the lives of those who knew Byron, especially his wife and children, who will forever remember the love and joy he brought into their lives.
