Pastor Ricky Floyd Obituary, Death; – Attorneys representing the woman charged with the shooting death of Memphis Pastor Ricky Floyd at Momma’s Bar asserted that she acted in self-defense and that the two were not acquainted prior to the incident.
The defense for 42-year-old Samantha Marion made these statements following a court hearing on Friday, March 14. A judge in Shelby County denied a motion to reduce her bond, which is set at $100,000. Officers from the Memphis Police Department responded to the scene of the incident on Wednesday, March 12, shortly before 1:30 a.m. at 855 Kentucky Avenue, where they discovered a deceased male.
Authorities and several independent sources identified the victim as Ricky Floyd, the pastor of the Pursuit of God Church in Frayser. He was known for his advocacy against youth violence and served as the president of The Husband Institute, a mentoring organization for boys. Investigators reported that witnesses indicated Floyd and Marion were engaged in a verbal dispute just prior to the shooting.
According to two witnesses, they, along with Marion, were part of the argument with Floyd, who subsequently exited the bar. The three individuals then moved outside to continue their discussion. Witnesses recounted that Floyd returned in an “irate” and “aggressive” manner towards them.
The affidavit states that surveillance footage captured Floyd throwing Marion’s phone to the ground and discarding a beer can before attempting to leave in his vehicle. Marion stepped into the road, appearing to record his departure with her cellphone. The video shows Floyd stopping his car, exiting, and approaching Marion, at which point another individual intervened to create distance between them. Marion then approached Floyd, who retreated and ultimately fell to the ground.
He did not rise again. A witness informed the police that Marion shot Floyd. Investigators found a shell casing at the scene and noted a gunshot wound on Floyd. Additionally, a black handgun was visible inside Marion’s vehicle. Marion has been charged with voluntary manslaughter and is currently being held on a $100,000 bond.
