Woman Charged With Murder After Man Found Dead in Bedroom, Text Messages Allegedly Link Her to Crime
On January 19, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., officers responded to a shooting in the 7000 block of Merlot Cove in Memphis, Tennessee. Upon arrival, authorities found a man lying face-down on a bed inside the residence. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. A handgun was located nearby, along with what appeared to be two bullet holes in the bedroom wall.
The victim was identified as 47-year-old Karloss Stevenson.
Stevenson lived at the home with his mother.
Investigators later located Stevenson’s cellphone and determined that the last person he had been in contact with was 32-year-old Ashunique Felton. According to investigators, text messages between Stevenson and Felton showed the two arranging to meet and engage in a sexual act in exchange for money.
Authorities said explicit images and videos were also found within the text thread. When Felton’s phone number was searched online, investigators allege it was linked to a prostitution website.
Text messages reportedly show that on January 18, Stevenson agreed to pick up Felton in the 1300 block of Gaither. Just before midnight, he texted her “here” and called the number minutes later.
On January 20, investigators reviewed surveillance footage from the 7000 block of Merlot Cove. The video allegedly showed Stevenson entering a black Mercedes and leaving alone at approximately 11:20 p.m. He was later seen returning to the address shortly after midnight, followed by two individuals entering the home.
Authorities said surveillance footage then captured a woman exiting the residence and running west on Merlot Cove. Investigators stated that the woman’s description matched Felton. They further allege that when she arrived at the home she did not appear to be carrying anything, but when she left, she was seen carrying multiple items near the end of the cove.
Felton has been charged with first-degree murder in the perpetration of aggravated burglary. Her bond has been set at $35,000, and she is scheduled to appear in court on February 19.
