Former security guard convicted of killing unarmed man during an argument at a Memphis gas station

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A former security guard has been convicted of first-degree murder in the shooting death of an unarmed black man during a dispute over loud music at a convenience store gas station in Memphis, Tennessee.

Gregory Livingston, 57, was found guilty by a jury on Friday of the August 2021 fatal shooting of 48-year-old Alvin Motley Jr., who was visiting Memphis from Chicago when he got into an argument with Livingston at a Kroger gas station. news media reported.

Criminal Court Judge Chris Craft sentenced Livingston to life in prison.

Motley, who was black, was a passenger in a car when Livingston, who is white, approached and engaged in a conversation about loud music coming from the vehicle, which prosecutors said steadily escalated, according to court documents.

Motley walked toward Livingston during the argument with a beer and a cigarette and suggested they discuss the matter “like men.” Livingston drew his gun and fired a single shot into Motley’s chest. He died on the spot.

During the trial, Livingston’s attorneys argued that he acted in self-defense. Court records show a motion for a new trial has been filed.

Nashville District Attorney Glenn Funk’s office handled the case after then-Shelby County District Attorney Amy Weirich resigned because an investigator in her office had an off-duty job at the security firm that employed Livingston had.

Livingston previously served as a police officer in Horn Lake, Mississippi.

Motley’s sister has said that he was an aspiring actor, entertainer and radio personality.