Man Sentenced to Life Plus 27 Years for 2022 Fatal Shooting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shelby County, TN– Travis Cohens has been sentenced to life in prison, plus an additional 27 years, for the 2022 murder of his ex-girlfriend, Teonka Gunn. The sentencing, handled by ADA Regina Lucreziano follows Cohens’ conviction on charges including first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, reckless endangerment, two counts of employing a firearm during a dangerous felony, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.

The incident occurred on March 1, 2022, at the Saint Court Apartments on North Watkins. According to reports, Gunn had just been dropped off by her cousin when Cohens opened fire on their vehicle. He then pursued Gunn and shot her multiple times outside her apartment, resulting in her death at the scene. Gunn's cousin and his minor son were also present during the shooting but managed to escape unharmed.

Following the incident, Cohens fled the state but was apprehended on June 10, 2022, in Chula Vista, California, as part of the U.S. Marshals' Operation North Star.

In October 2024, a Shelby County jury found Cohens guilty on all charges after a four-day trial that included testimony from 14 witnesses. The life sentence for first-degree murder will be served consecutively with the additional 27 years for the other charges, totaling 78 years of imprisonment.

The initial trial was handled by ADAs Regina Lucreziano and Venecia Patterson.