Four charged in beating death of man over $5 debt

Four people have been arrested in connection with the death of a man who died after he was beaten, kicked and stomped multiple times over a $5 debt, police said.

Dwain Antonio Ratliffe, 37, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Elmo Guy.

Thelma Burroughs, 52, and Felicia Bankston, 25,  have also been charged with aggravated assault in the attack on Guy that involved six people, police said.  A male juvenile was also arrested in the attack.

Memphis police said the attack occurred Oct. 2 in the yard of a home in the 3200 block of Given Avenue off Tillman Street. Police said the victim was hit and kicked by the six people because he was allegedly unable to repay a $5 debt to suspect Bankston's mother, according to the arrest affidavit.

As the victim was on the ground being attacked, police said Ratliffe jumped in the air and landed on his head multiple times. The blows fractured the victim's skull.

The victim was taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital East where he underwent surgery for swelling to his brain. He never regained consciousness and died Tuesday afternoon, police said.

Ratliffe, whose nickname is Tony Bones, Burroughs and Banks were identified by witnesses. Banks admitted to police her involvement in the attack, according to an affidavit. 

Ratliffe remains in jail on a $1 million bond. He will be in court for an arraignment Thursday. Burroughs and Bankston posted $7,500 bonds and were released.

Two other men involved in the attack have not been charged.