In the suburban enclave of Cordova, Tennessee, a shocking act of violence shattered the evening calm on Friday, August 22, 2025. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office responded to a grim discovery at approximately 5:40 p.m., when deputies found 18-year-old Antonio Sykes Jr., known to his fans as the rising rap artist Fbg Fatslime, lifeless inside a vehicle in a strip mall parking lot. The scene, located in the 1900 block of Berryhill Road near the intersection with Chimneyrock Boulevard, outside a local smoke shop, has left the community reeling and mourning the loss of a young talent whose life was cut tragically short.
Deputies on patrol stumbled upon the harrowing scene, where Sykes was found slumped in the driver’s seat, his body marred by a fatal gunshot wound. Shelby County Fire paramedics arrived swiftly but could only confirm the worst: the 18-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses in the area recounted hearing a chilling burst of gunfire—between three and five shots echoing through the parking lot—before the grim discovery. Some onlookers initially believed the victim to be 23, but authorities later clarified that Sykes was indeed just 18, a young man with dreams and a burgeoning career in music.
The incident unfolded in broad daylight, a fact that stunned residents of this typically peaceful neighborhood. Tony Williams, a local lawn service worker who tends the area, expressed his disbelief to reporters, saying, “Just to see that, in broad daylight that way, the boldness of these criminals.” His words captured the collective shock of a community unaccustomed to such brazen violence. Cordova, known for its quiet streets and suburban charm, now grapples with the stark reality of gun violence infiltrating its borders.
As investigators combed the scene, local businesses were asked to close temporarily on Saturday afternoon, allowing law enforcement to review security camera footage in hopes of uncovering clues. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has yet to release any footage or identify suspects, leaving the case shrouded in mystery. Authorities have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at (901) 528-CASH. The lack of named suspects has only deepened the anguish for Sykes’ family, friends, and fans, who are left searching for answers.
Despite the chaos of the investigation, officials assured the community that traffic on Berryhill Road, briefly restricted during the initial response, has since reopened. They also confirmed that the incident would not disrupt the football game at nearby Cordova High School, a small comfort in the wake of such a devastating loss.
Antonio Sykes Jr., known by his stage name Fbg Fatslime, was more than just a victim; he was a young artist on the cusp of making his mark. His music, infused with the raw energy and storytelling of his generation, had begun to resonate with fans, earning him a growing following. Now, his untimely death has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him and those who were touched by his art. As the investigation presses forward, the Cordova community and beyond mourns a life extinguished too soon, a reminder of the fragility of promise in the face of senseless violence.
