18-year-old Memphis high school senior Ladainian Cathey was fatally shot hours after he left his school’s prom. 

Per Action News 5, the fatal April 19 incident occurred at a gas station at Elvis Presley Boulevard and Shelby Drive.

In a statement, the Memphis Police Department said that officers arrived at the location around 1 a.m. on the said date to respond to a shooting. Cathey, who sustained a gunshot wound, was said to be in a critical condition when he was found and subsequently taken to a hospital. He was later pronounced dead. 

“Preliminary information indicated that two suspects fled the scene in a black Mercedes GLK,” the statement said, adding that authorities located the vehicle in question on April 20.

“The vehicle was later observed at a business in the 8100 block of Walnut Grove Road, where officers made contact with the driver, a 17-year-old male, who was the sole occupant,” the statement said. “He was taken into custody without incident.”

READ ALSO: Chicago teen dies in car crash hours after attending her high school prom

The 17-year-old suspect has since been charged with first-degree murder in the perpetration of a robbery.

Cathey’s friends told Action News 5 that the deceased teen was on course to graduate from Southaven High School in May. 

“School officials are deeply saddened by this senseless tragedy. We ask that everyone keep the student’s family in their prayers during the days ahead. Our hearts are with them as they face an unimaginable loss,” Desoto County School District said in a statement.

Cathay’s mother also took to Facebook to eulogize her deceased son and share her emotions.

“My kids are my world if anyone no me knows that,” she wrote. “My son had a great life that my best friend my heart is shattered In to pieces I’m trying so hard be strong but how that was my baby now all I got is memories this can’t be real.”

READ ALSO: 17-year-old football prodigy gunned down days after graduating high school