Memphis man arrested for murder of Jerry Lee Lewis’s bass player

On Behalf of | Oct 26, 2012 | Violent Crimes |

Music legend Jerry Lee Lewis is currently mourning the loss of his bass player, B.B. Cunningham. Cunningham was shot and killed while working as a security guard at an apartment complex in Memphis. Police have arrested a suspect who now faces murder charges.

Cunningham first started playing for The Jerry Lee Lewis Band in 1997. He became famous in 1967 after he wrote and recorded the hit song, ‘Let It All Hang Out,’ with the Hombres.

The 22-year-old man who was arrested is now charged with First Degree Murder and Attempted First Degree Murder. There was also a 16-year-old that died night, but the man is only facing charges for Cunningham’s death.

Charges of First Degree Murder can have lifelong damaging effects on a person’s life. It is therefore necessary for that person to understand what the charges mean. In most states, murders are divided into degrees. First degree murder represents the worst form of a homicide crime. While the laws vary in different states, generally, first degree murder includes murders committed by those who willfully take a life after having a chance to think about their actions.

There are many different types of defenses to first degree murder which include but are not limited to mistaken identity, self-defense and not guilty by reason of insanity. Often, states impose their most severe punishment for first degree murder, including the death penalty. Because of the heightened punishments and sentences for first degree murder, suspects should work quickly to secure a strong criminal defense attorney to protect their legal rights.

Source: WREG-TV, “Jerry Lee Lewis Devastated By Bj and Member’s Murder,” Melissa Moon, Oct. 15, 2012

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