A. Maceo Walker Middle School secretary Larry Thorn found dead behind Memphis church

On Tuesday, police officers in South Memphis discovered the body of a guy who had been shot to death. According to a witness, the body had been set on fire.

A little before 7 o’clock in the morning, police were dispatched to the 1400 block of Gold Avenue. According to them, they discovered a victim who had what seemed to be a gunshot wound but was pronounced dead when they arrived at the scene.

After further investigation, the police determined that the victim’s identity is Larry Thorn.

A witness who did not wish to give his name to FOX3 stated that he observed the body of the victim burning in a parking lot behind a boarded-up church while he was driving through the region to visit family.

The witness handed a reporter on his iPhone a picture of a fire that was taking place in the church parking lot; however, the police have not yet confirmed that the body was deliberately set on fire. Wednesday, there was a blackened area that could be seen on the ground.

Memphis Shelby County Schools said in a statement that Thorn worked as a secretary at A. Maceo Walker Middle School and was very highly liked by the students and staff there.

“As a school secretary, Larry Thorn was often one of the first faces that greeted our students and staff. His radiant spirit welcomed everyone into the building with warmth. Mr. Thorn, an integral part of A. Maceo Walker Middle School, also coached the school’s pom pom team. He loved his colleagues, students, and job. While the District has provided additional counselors to work with the A. Maceo Walker community, we know that his school family and relatives will continue to need the entire community’s support. Memphis-Shelby County Schools extends our condolences to all who loved and adored Mr. Thorn.”

No suspects have been identified, and there has been no information immediately released regarding any arrests.

If you know anything about Thorn’s death, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.