Recent Charges and Investigation
Karl P. Loucks, a U.S. Army veteran, is facing serious charges for attacking two homeless men in downtown Memphis. Loucks, 41, was charged on June 25 with aggravated assault after allegedly cutting a homeless man with a knife. This follows a previous charge on May 31 for first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of another homeless man, Shaun Rhea.
Details of the Knife Attack
The aggravated assault charge stems from an incident where Loucks reportedly entered a portable restroom where the victim sleeps and attacked him with a knife. According to a police affidavit, the victim was cut behind the left ear and on the right thumb. The man, who did not know Loucks, was taken to a hospital for treatment.
Murder Charge and Self-Defense Claim
Loucks’ lawyer, Blake Ballin, stated that they are investigating whether Loucks acted in self-defense during the confrontations with Rhea. On May 31, Loucks was charged with first-degree murder after allegedly using pepper spray and a knife against Rhea before shooting him with a rifle. Rhea, who was unarmed, died in the hospital.
Security Guard’s Account and Ongoing Investigation
A security guard at a nearby hotel witnessed the altercation between Loucks and Rhea. The guard reported that Loucks had previously attacked other homeless people, prompting police to investigate if Loucks had a pattern of targeting homeless individuals.
Background and Military Service
Loucks served as a healthcare specialist in the U.S. Army from September 2007 to August 2013, including a deployment to Afghanistan from March 2009 to March 2010. He was honorably discharged due to a disability from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
