Tennessee – a federal jury in Memphis has convicted two high-ranking members of the Unknown Vice Lords (UVL) for the execution-style killing of a fellow gang member suspected of betrayal. The verdict followed a one-week trial that exposed the gang’s structure, violent tactics, and retaliation practices.
Edward Allen, 42, known as E-Money, and Deandre Rodgers, 29, also called Dre, were identified in court as senior figures within the UVL enterprise. Prosecutors presented evidence showing the gang controlled territory across Memphis and extended operations into Arkansas and Mississippi. Members carried out crimes including murder, robbery, assault, human trafficking, and drug trafficking to maintain control and enforce loyalty.
Retaliation and a Deadly Internal Verdict
Testimony revealed that the chain of violence began on January 10, 2019, when the gang’s Supreme Elite Chief — the top leader for the state of Tennessee — and his girlfriend were murdered in broad daylight in a residential neighborhood. The killing sparked immediate retaliation efforts. That same night, UVL members targeted a rival group, the Traveling Vice Lords, carrying out a drive-by shooting at a known hangout where at least one person was wounded.
In the days that followed, the gang conducted its own internal inquiry and came to believe that one of its own members was responsible for the Chief’s murder.
Five days later, the suspected member became the victim.
Evidence showed that on January 14, 2019, co-defendant Vincent Grant, known as V-Slash and responsible for storing weapons for the gang, supplied firearms to members for a “demo,” a gang term used to describe violent acts. Early the next morning around 1 a.m., Allen, Rodgers, Grant, and another gang member transported the victim to the rear of a deteriorating apartment complex. Allen and Rodgers then led him behind a building and shot him to death using weapons provided by Grant.
Prosecutors said the public nature of the killing was meant to send a message about loyalty and consequences.
“Members of this gang carried out a calculated and merciless killing, leaving the victim in public to send a chilling message about the consequences of disloyalty,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their repeated acts of violence, including shootings in broad daylight and in residential neighborhoods, demonstrate a profound indifference to human life and pose a clear danger to our communities. We will continue to stand with our law enforcement partners and relentlessly pursue those who bring violence into our communities – street-level violence has no place in this country, and those who engage in it will be identified, arrested, prosecuted.”
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant emphasized the impact of the prosecution, stating, “This successful federal prosecution has significantly disrupted the leadership of the UVL street gang here in Memphis, and E-Money, Dre, and V-Slash are no longer unknown. If you are a member of a criminal gang committed to a lifestyle of lawlessness, no matter your role or nickname – your days are numbered – there will be a reckoning.”
Law enforcement officials underscored the danger posed by violent gangs. “Violent street gangs such as these that show a blatant disregard for public safety must be held accountable”, said Special Agent in Charge Jamey VanVliet of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Nashville Field Division. “Through aggressive investigation, coordinated enforcement, and sustained collaboration, we will relentlessly continue to pursue, disrupt, and dismantle these violent criminal networks. The ATF, along with our local, state, and federal partners, will not rest until the safety and security of our communities are restored.”
Convictions and Ongoing Efforts
The jury found Allen and Rodgers guilty of causing death through the use of a firearm during a racketeering murder. They face a maximum sentence of life in prison, with sentencing scheduled for May 11. A federal judge will determine the final punishment after reviewing sentencing guidelines and statutory factors.
Vincent Grant was previously convicted for his role in the murder and sentenced to more than 24 years in prison.
The case was investigated by the ATF with significant assistance from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the FBI, the Memphis Police Department, and the U.S. Secret Service. Prosecutors from the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee, led the prosecution.
Officials said the case is part of a broader Violent Crime Initiative aimed at confronting gang-related violence in Memphis. By using federal resources and coordinated enforcement, authorities seek to dismantle violent networks and prevent further bloodshed in communities long affected by gang activity.
The verdict marks a major step in disrupting the UVL leadership and sends a clear signal that organized violence and internal executions will be met with relentless prosecution.
