Suspect identified in murder of U of M student found dead in Arlington

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - A suspect is charged in the murder of a University of Memphis student who was found dead in Arlington in December 2022.

Memphis Police Department arrested 22-year-old Vincent Patterson on Jan. 5 for allegedly killing 25-year-old Barshay Wilson.

Through witness interviews, video surveillance, and phone records, Patterson became a person of interest, says police.

MPD says Patterson admitted to killing Wilson.

According to the affidavit, Patterson said another person was with him as they shot Wilson, took his marijuana and set the Camaro on fire after dumping his body.

Patterson is charged with first-degree murder, first-degree murder in perpetration of a robbery, especially aggravated robbery, and tampering with evidence

Wilson went missing on Dec. 9. The missing person report stated that he went to a party at an apartment complex in Southwest Memphis.

Wilson’s friend told police that Wilson arrived at her apartment around 8:35 p.m., stayed for approximately 15 minutes before receiving a phone call, and walked outside.

The friend stated that she looked outside shortly afterward but Wilson could not be found, and his car was still parked outside.

He was supposed to graduate from UofM’s nursing school two days later but never showed up for the ceremony.

Police say he died of a gunshot wound.

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