Man arrested for allegedly killing University of Memphis student 1 day before graduation

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (TCD) — Police have taken a man into custody for allegedly shooting and killing a student who went missing one day before he was set to graduate from college.

Memphis Police announced they arrested 22-year-old Vincent Patterson and took him into custody on charges of first-degree murder, first-degree murder in perpetration of robbery, especially aggravated robbery, and tampering with evidence in connection with the death of 25-year-old BarShay Wilson.

On Dec. 12, Memphis Police issued a city watch alert for Wilson. He was reportedly last seen leaving his friend’s home on Dec. 9. According to Memphis Police, Wilson was on the phone outside a residence on the 5900 block of Green Drive. When his friend went out to find him, he was gone. Wilson’s friend reportedly pulled up his location on her phone and saw he was on the interstate, but then the signal died.

Police said the friend went to his last known location but did not find anything.

The same day police issued the city watch alert, officers were called to 11150 Highway 70 and found a man deceased from a gunshot wound. The victim was later positively identified as Wilson.

According to WHBQ-TV, two days before finding Wilson’s body, on Dec. 10, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office deputies reportedly went to the same area for reports of a fire and discovered a Chevrolet Camaro ablaze. Wilson’s ID was reportedly discovered near the burning car.

WHBQ reports Patterson allegedly admitted to killing Wilson, taking his marijuana, setting the car on fire, and leaving his body.

Wilson was reportedly supposed to graduate from the University of Memphis on Dec. 10.