The decapitated body of well-known local DJ Rick Buchanan, popularly known as "Slick Rick," was found in his Berclair neighborhood home. The gruesome discovery was made by his brother, John Buchanan, on Wednesday afternoon, following a concerned call from a neighbor.
The Memphis Police Department is actively investigating the murder, which has left the city in disbelief over the loss of a cherished figure in the local music scene.
Rick Buchanan, 52, not to be confused with the rapper of the same moniker, was a fixture in Memphis's vibrant nightlife, known for his lively performances and dedication to the craft. The circumstances of his death, particularly the brutal manner in which he was killed, have raised numerous questions, with authorities and the community desperate for answers.
Memphis DJ 'Slick Rick' found decapitated at Berclair Tennessee home#breaking pic.twitter.com/6KP6GUU4FB — Pure America News (@pureamericanews) January 26, 2024
The scene described by John Buchanan was one of horror and confusion. Upon arriving at his brother's residence, he noticed the back door ajar and Rick's dog, Lucky, unattended in the yard-details that immediately signaled that something was amiss. The sight that greeted him inside the home was beyond anything he could have prepared for. "I thought his coat was up over his head like it was cold or something," John recounted to local media. "I ran out, and then I ran back in. And, then, I realized it was something worse."
This is not the first time Rick Buchanan faced a life-threatening situation. In 2014, he survived a shooting outside The Stage Stop, a live music venue owned by his mother, Nita Makris. The incident left him physically and emotionally scarred, impacting his ability to work and leading him to adopt the "Slick Rick" persona that would define his later years. Despite this, Rick found success and a renewed sense of purpose within the Memphis music scene, endearing himself to many through his resilience and talent.
The Stage Stop, where Rick was a regular presence, paid tribute to him on social media, expressing the deep loss felt by his fans and fellow musicians. "RIP Slick Rick," the venue posted, a sentiment echoed by many who knew him.
"Slick Rick was a character like no other. The voice of The Stage Stop. I can still hear it 'Y'all wanna hear one more?'" one fan reminisced, capturing the essence of Rick's spirited personality and his impact on the local music community.
As the investigation into Rick Buchanan's murder continues, the Memphis Police Department has yet to release further details. The community remains in mourning, grappling with the loss of a beloved figure whose life was cut short in such a horrific manner. John Buchanan's resolve to care for Rick's dog, Lucky, serves as a poignant reminder of the bond between the brothers and the legacy of kindness and love that Rick leaves behind.
In the face of this tragedy, questions linger about the motive behind such a brutal act and the identity of those responsible. The Memphis music scene has lost one of its own, and as the city comes together to remember "Slick Rick," there is a collective hope for justice and answers in the wake of his untimely death.
