Victim’s ex-husband says killing was over more than chicken

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Lorenzo West Jr. says the last conversation he had with his ex-wife, Anitra West, was about getting back together.

“I told her I wanted to shoot my shot,” he said. “I wanted another try because I don’t want nobody else.”

But that won’t happen, after Anitra West was gunned down Monday night while working at a Church’s Chicken in Orange Mound, allegedly in a dispute over an order according to police.

A warrant has been issued for Monica Williams on a charge of first-degree murder. As of Friday night, Williams was not booked into jail.

“I’m just glad they issued a warrant for her arrest,” Lorenzo West said.

Officers responded to a shooting at Church’s Chicken at 2963 Park Avenue in Orange Mound around 9 p.m.

Police say the female employee, identified as Anitra West, was working when Williams came through the drive-through. It was confirmed by MPD on Thursday that the two women got into a dispute over a food order.

Williams, who was driving a teal-colored SUV, drove off the lot; West walked outside to get some air.

A few moments later a gunshot was heard and the teal-colored SUV was seen on video speeding off the parking lot. According to MPD, West was found outside of the business.

She was taken to Regional One, where she later died.

West, who says “Orange Mound is a small community,” says he has family who knew Williams. He disputes that the killing was over a fast-food order, saying he thinks it was personal.

“I know Anitra was too important to be killed about some food. It wasn’t about no food. It was something somebody took personal, and couldn’t let it go,” he said. “Once you get past words in Memphis, everybody knows how it turns out.”

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