Godmother Blasts Police After Fatal Chase Ejects Goddaughter

A Tennessee woman is urging authorities to end police pursuit tactics after her goddaughter was killed when she was ejected from a vehicle during a high-speed chase. Renisha Thompson, 31, was a passenger in a car driven by Justin Thomas, 32, who allegedly fled from a traffic stop.

Fatal Collision

The Memphis Safe Task Force pursued Thomas's Cadillac, which ultimately crashed off South Third Street on Red Leaf Lane in South Memphis. Thompson, a cosmetologist, was thrown from the vehicle and died at the scene. Thomas, who was also injured, faces charges including vehicular manslaughter, possession of controlled substances, speeding, and fleeing law enforcement. He is in critical condition.

Godmother's Plea

Shawn Crawford, Thompson's godmother, expressed anguish, stating that her goddaughter's life was lost solely because of the pursuit. Crawford claimed that law enforcement had opportunities to apprehend Thomas before the chase began, including when he was stopped in a driveway. "My baby didn’t know what was going on. She didn’t even know what she was getting into," Crawford said.

Crawford reiterated her call to cease pursuits, especially when officers can apprehend suspects beforehand. "They could’ve got him before he even got her in that car, and if you’re on a high-speed chase and can’t catch that person, stop the pursuit," she stated.

Background of the Chase

According to reports, the Memphis Safe Task Force and U.S. Marshal Service were surveilling Thomas due to his prior alleged flight from law enforcement during an earlier traffic stop. Officials stated that Thomas made multiple U-turns in an attempt to evade agents before a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper attempted to stop him, initiating the chase.

A witness described hearing a loud crash and seeing debris scattered, expressing sadness for the woman involved and noting that neither she nor the driver likely anticipated the tragic outcome.

Community Mourning

Loved ones held a vigil on Sunday to remember Thompson, with relatives describing her as a kind, hardworking, and supportive individual. Crawford shared that Thompson was "our everything," and her loss has left a profound void.

Thompson's funeral service is scheduled for October 23. Court records indicate this is Thomas's third instance of fleeing law enforcement, having been out on bond for previous charges. Crawford stated that accountability for Thomas would be left to divine judgment.

Four other vehicles were damaged in the crash, and two other individuals, in addition to Thomas, sustained injuries. The Daily Mail has reached out to the U.S. Marshal Service and the Tennessee Highway Patrol for comment.