Employee Indicted in Killing of Theft Suspect

Dec. 13, 2021 – A convenience store employee has been indicted on criminal charges in the shooting death of a shoplifter in May near the University of Memphis campus, said Shelby County Dist. Atty. Gen. Amy Weirich.

    Robert Lee Buie, 53, was indicted by a grand jury on counts of second-degree murder, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, and employment of a firearm in the commission of a dangerous felony.

    He is free on $40,000 bond.

   The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on May 16, 2021, at Scootie’s One-Stop in the 3000 block of Walker Ave. where Buie worked as a stock clerk and security guard.

    Investigators said Christopher Nettles, 36, entered the store, grabbed an armful of clothing merchandise, and ran for the exit. A store clerk quickly locked the exit and Buie, armed with a handgun, then confronted the shoplifter.

    He ordered Nettles to get on the ground, but told investigators the suspect refused and instead moved towards him. Buie then shot Nettles once in the chest. He was taken to a hospital where he died about an hour later.

    The case is being handled by Felony Asst. Will Cranford of the District Attorney’s Vertical Team 2 which prosecutes cases in General Sessions 9 and in Criminal Court Division 2.