Memphis, TN – A 26-year-old Tennessee man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s townhouse, hiding in her closet with an AR-style rifle, and then confronting her and her new boyfriend while they were asleep with her five-year-old child nearby. The terrifying home invasion happened on October 25 in the Hickory Hill neighborhood of Memphis.
The Incident: Man Hides in Closet and Attacks Couple
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by police, Corwyn Winfield, 26, allegedly snuck into his ex-girlfriend’s home at the Emerald Square Townhomes while six people were inside — including three children and three adults.
The woman was asleep in an upstairs bedroom with her new boyfriend and 5-year-old child, while her two other children were sleeping in a separate room.
Investigators say Winfield, who is the father of the woman’s children, hid in the bedroom closet with a loaded AR-style rifle. At some point during the night, he emerged from the closet and confronted the sleeping couple at gunpoint.
“Winfield pointed the gun at [the couple], and he made threats to kill them while ordering them not to move,” the affidavit stated.
When the boyfriend attempted to escape, Winfield allegedly blocked the door and a struggle ensued. During the fight, the rifle discharged multiple times inside the home, narrowly missing the victims and their children.
Investigation and Evidence: Gunfire Strikes Neighboring Home
Police say the ex-girlfriend screamed for help, alerting the other adults downstairs. The new boyfriend eventually disarmed Winfield, knocking the weapon from his hands. Winfield then grabbed the rifle from the floor and fled the scene, leaving chaos and bullet holes behind.
According to investigators, one of the discharged rounds struck a neighboring townhouse, where a 10-month-old baby, a 6-year-old, and two 17-year-olds were sleeping.
Authorities later found Winfield at a local hospital, where he was being treated for a gunshot wound to the arm believed to have occurred during the altercation.
“[The ex-girlfriend] positively identified Corwyn Winfield as the person responsible for entering her home without permission and hiding in her bedroom closet before pointing a black gun at her and her guest,” police wrote in the report.
Detectives also recovered ballistic evidence confirming that multiple rounds were fired from the rifle inside the home.
Court Proceedings and Charges Filed
Following his arrest, Winfield was charged with a list of serious felonies, including:
- Aggravated Domestic Violence
- Aggravated Child Abuse or Neglect
- Aggravated Assault
- Domestic Assault
- Reckless Endangerment
- Employing a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony
Court records show Winfield has a prior history of domestic violence arrests, heightening concerns for the safety of the victims.
Authorities set his bond at $400,000, and he was due in court on Wednesday for an initial appearance. His preliminary hearing has been scheduled for November 12, where prosecutors will present further evidence to determine whether the case proceeds to trial.
Reactions and Statements from Officials
Law enforcement officials described the case as one of the most dangerous domestic incidents in recent months, emphasizing the extreme risk posed to both the victims and nearby residents.
“It’s incredibly fortunate that no children were killed,” one Memphis officer said. “This situation could have ended in multiple fatalities.”
The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office has not yet announced whether additional charges will be added, given that multiple minors were endangered during the confrontation.
Background Context: Pattern of Domestic Violence
Records from the Shelby County court system show that Corwyn Winfield has faced previous charges for domestic violence and assault, some involving the same victim. Advocates for domestic violence survivors have pointed to the case as an example of the urgent need for stronger enforcement of protection orders and firearm restrictions for repeat offenders.
Experts note that domestic violence offenders who have access to firearms are five times more likely to commit a lethal assault, according to data from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
Police are continuing to investigate how Winfield gained access to the townhouse and how long he remained inside before emerging with the rifle. Authorities also plan to conduct ballistic testing on the recovered bullets to confirm the weapon’s involvement in the nearby townhouse strike.
Winfield remains in Shelby County Jail, and the victims are receiving ongoing support and counseling through local domestic violence resources.
Conclusion
The Memphis community remains shaken after a violent domestic ambush nearly turned fatal. As Corwyn Winfield awaits his November court hearing, prosecutors say their goal is to ensure justice for the victims and to prevent similar acts of domestic terror in the future.
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