Mother of middle school secretary shot and killed in church parking lot left heartbroken

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The mother of a man who was found shot to death in the parking lot of a church just blocks away from a cemetery is devastated.

“Nobody deserves to bury their child. If it was a mistake, come forward and let us know,” said Lavonda Henderson.

Her son, Larry Thorn was found shot to death around 7 a.m. on Tuesday, January 10, 2023.

Thorn worked for Memphis-Shelby County Schools as a secretary at A. Maceo Walker Middle School.

“As a school secretary, Larry Thorn was often one of the first faces that greeted our students and staff. His radiant spirit welcomed everyone into the building with warmth. Mr. Thorn, an integral part of A. Maceo Walker Middle School, also coached the school’s pom pom team. He loved his colleagues, students, and job. While the District has provided additional counselors to work with the A. Maceo Walker community, we know that his school family and relatives will continue to need the entire community’s support. Memphis-Shelby County Schools extends our condolences to all who loved and adored Mr. Thorn,” a statement from Memphis-Shelby County Schools said.

Thorn’s death left a hole in many lives from those students he served to his family.

“We are hurting inside. He has a brother and a grandmother that love him dearly. He’s got students that love him dearly.”

Thorn’s body was found on Gold Avenue just blocks away from Calvary Cemetery. Henderson begged whoever is responsible to come forward.

“We all want to know why did you do this? What was the purpose?” Henderson said.

Memphis Police have not released any information on the person or persons responsible for this man’s death.

If you know anything about this shooting, MPD urges you to call Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH.

Any information which leads to an arrest, in this case, could be worth up to $2,000.

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