Tifanee Wright was sentenced to 25 years in prison this week for the second-degree murder of community activist Yvonne Nelson in Memphis, Tennessee.
The Shelby County District Attorney's Office announced the sentence following Wright's conviction. The 37-year-old claimed self-defense during the trial, but the jury rejected that argument.
The shooting occurred on August 13, 2022, at a strip mall near Yale Road and Covington Pike. Surveillance footage showed Wright and the 60-year-old Nelson arguing about money before Wright shot her in the face and neck.
The judge noted that footage appeared to show a lack of empathy, stating Wright "left the woman to die like she was worthless." Nelson's daughter described the loss as having a profound impact on the family.
Nelson was known locally for her work on cleaner streets, reduced crime, and fair elections. Wright's mother testified on her behalf and apologized to Nelson's relatives.