Memphis authorities have identified a suspect in the fatal shooting that claimed the life of rising rapper Sayso P and left Houston rapper Sauce Walka with a gunshot wound. The violence erupted outside a hotel near the FedEx Forum on March 22 when gunmen ambushed the two artists.
According to an update released Wednesday (March 26) via TMZ, police have issued a warrant for 21-year-old Jayden Dandridge, who now faces first-degree murder, two charges involving the use of a firearm during a dangerous felony, and auto theft. The vehicle used in the ambush, a stolen 2021 Dodge Charger, has been recovered by Memphis PD.
Law enforcement officials are actively searching for Dandridge and urging the public to come forward with any information that may lead to his arrest. A $6,000 reward is being offered through Crime Stoppers, and tipsters can call 901-528-CASH anonymously.
The shooting took the life of 22-year-old Latorian Hunt, better known by his stage name Sayso P, a TSF (The Sauce Factory) artist and close affiliate of Sauce Walka. While Walka sustained a non-life-threatening injury to his leg, Sayso died from his wounds at the scene.
In an emotional tribute posted Tuesday night (March 25), Sauce Walka expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his artist and brother-in-music, pouring out his pain through raw captions and unreleased photos and videos of the two together.
“Words or tears can’t explain the loss I feel,” Walka wrote. “Splatt I wish your fat ahh listened to me and stayed in the room… You always so hardheaded blood but u kno ima ride wit u regardless. We come together, we leave together.”
The Texas rapper continued reflecting on how he tried to steer Sayso away from the streets and into a better life after bringing him into TSF: “Did everything I could to help u change ur lifestyle from Miami to all 50 states… We been mashing and splashing together.”
Sayso P’s mother also took to Facebook to address circulating rumors and defend her son’s name. In a passionate post, she denied claims that Sayso was involved in any criminal activity that may have led to the attack:
“My son never stole anything. Never ran off with anything. Didn’t have to… He would give you his last before he stole anything.”
“Too loyal to the wrong people was his biggest downfall,” she added. “Haters who were envious killed my baby but I won’t let y’all steal his legacy.”
Sayso P was on the rise as one of Sauce Walka’s standout protégés, known for his aggressive energy and street-rooted bars. His death adds to the growing list of young hip-hop artists lost to gun violence.
Memphis PD continues to investigate the incident. Community members with knowledge of Dandridge’s whereabouts are urged to come forward and help bring justice to Sayso P and closure to his family, friends, and the TSF camp.
