Memphis Man Accused of Shooting Wife in the Stomach, Stopping for Beer Before Hospital

A man involved in a domestic dispute in Tennessee allegedly brandished a Ruger handgun during an incident on July 19, 2025.

By Savage RoyalT | August 12, 2025 | SavageRoyalT.com

A Memphis man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he shot his wife in the stomach during an argument, then stopped to buy himself a beer while driving her to the hospital. According to the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office, 51-year-old Decarlo Pitchford pulled a Ruger handgun on his wife on July 19, 2025, during a dispute at their Tennessee home. Investigators say the confrontation began when the woman told Pitchford she planned to leave him, prompting him to allegedly say, “I told you stop playing with me,” before firing a single 9mm round into her abdomen.

Despite the life-threatening injury, Pitchford then placed his wife into his Dodge Ram and began driving toward Methodist University Hospital. But before reaching the emergency room, prosecutors say he made an unscheduled stop to pick up a beer. Officials did not specify the location or how long he had delayed before continuing to the hospital.

When questioned by police, Pitchford claimed the shooting was accidental, telling investigators that he believed the gun was jammed and fired it unintentionally. However, the victim contradicted his account, stating the shooting was deliberate.

Court records show Pitchford has been charged with attempted second-degree murder, domestic assault, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and theft of property. He remains in custody pending further court proceedings. The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office has not released an update on the victim’s condition.