MSTF Lead Sent to Illinois Results in Arrest of Man Wanted in 2016 Memphis Murder

Memphis, TN – A collateral lead from the Memphis Safe Task Force (MSTF) led to the arrest Tuesday of a man wanted in Memphis for the 2016 murder of an 18-year-old man.

Terry Johnson, 36, was arrested in Peoria, Illinois, by the U.S. Marshals (USMS) Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force (GLRFTF).

Johnson is charged in Shelby County with first-degree murder (x2), criminal attempt first-degree murder (x4), employ firearm with intent to commit felony (x5), aggravated burglary, aggravated assault (x2), domestic assault bodily harm, petition to revoke susp sentence, termination of diversion, and theft of property $500 or less for his role in the Jan. 9, 2016, shooting death of 18-year-old high school student Ryan Gilliam, who was found unresponsive with a gunshot wound in the 3700 block of Pershing Park. Gilliam was taken to the hospital in critical condition and later died from his injuries.

Johnson and Marktavious Twilley were both charged with first-degree murder in perpetration of a felony to wit burglary. Twilley was later apprehended and incarcerated. 

MSTF investigators developed information that Johnson had relocated to Illinois and sent a lead Friday to the USMS GLRFTF, who found him and took him into custody. 

“The arrest of Terry Johnson 10 years later and 500 miles from the site of his alleged crime illustrates the dedication of the U.S. Marshals to find and apprehend violent fugitives,” said Tyreece Miller, U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Tennessee. “I commend the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force for responding so quickly to the lead we provided and hope this arrest brings some level of comfort to Ryan Gilliam’s family, who have been waiting so long for justice.” 

Since the launch of the Memphis Safe Task Force initiative, officers have made 8,183 arrests, including 53 for homicide, 907 for controlled substances, 731 for firearms violations, and 103 for sex offenses. Of those arrested, 224 were juveniles and 835 were known gang members. The task force has seized 1,343 illegal firearms. These enforcement actions reflect a sustained commitment to reducing violent crime and removing dangerous weapons from Memphis neighborhoods. 

The Memphis Safe Task Force (MSTF), a multi-agency initiative, was organized in September 2025 to combat violent crime in Memphis. It is composed of federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as the Tennessee National Guard, and focuses on arresting violent criminals, clearing warrants, seizing firearms, and locating missing children. Since the operation began, the MSTF has located 150 missing children.

This operation reflects the MSTF’s commitment to coordinated enforcement efforts and its mission to identify, apprehend, and hold accountable those who pose a threat to public safety.

Anyone with information about wanted fugitives is encouraged to submit it via the USMS Tips app.