SOMEONE LEFT A 74-YEAR-OLD WOMAN’S BODY BEHIND AN ABANDONED HOME — SHE WASN’T IDENTIFIED FOR MONTHS

THE MURDER OF LAJAN GRIMES

Memphis, Tennessee | February 7, 2026

For months, a family waited without answers.

Now, investigators are asking for the public’s help to solve the murder of 74-year-old Lajan Grimes.

On February 7, 2026, at approximately 12:50 p.m., officers with the Memphis Police Department responded to a “man down” and suspicious person call in the 1300 block of Hyde Park Boulevard in North Memphis.

Behind a residence near several abandoned homes, officers discovered the body of an elderly woman.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to neighbors, the discovery was especially disturbing.

Residents reported that the victim’s body had been wrapped in duct tape before it was abandoned behind the home.

For months, authorities did not publicly identify the victim or announce that the case was being investigated as a homicide.

It wasn’t until late June 2026 that investigators confirmed the victim was 74-year-old Lajan Grimes and officially announced that her death was the result of foul play.

Investigation Into the Murder of Lajan Grimes

As of this writing, investigators have not released a suspect’s name, identified a motive, or disclosed the official cause of death.

The Memphis Police Department continues to investigate the case and is asking the public to come forward with any information that could help identify the person responsible.

Someone knows how a 74-year-old woman ended up dead behind an abandoned home.

Someone knows who left her there.

Anyone with information about the murder of Lajan Grimes is urged to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH (2274). Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.

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