By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
A Memphis mother is facing a first-degree murder charge after police say she fatally shot a 20-year-old man she discovered hiding inside her teenage daughter’s bedroom during the early morning hours of July 16.
According to the Memphis Police Department, officers responded to a shooting around 1:50 a.m. in the 3000 block of Travis Road. They found a man suffering from a gunshot wound outside the home. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police identified the victim as Rodderius Morton, 20.
Authorities arrested Kendra Scott, 36, at the scene. She has been charged with first-degree murder and employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. Scott remains in the Shelby County Jail without bond and is scheduled to appear in court.
According to court documents cited by Law & Crime and WLBT, Scott’s daughter told investigators she had invited Morton into the home around 1 a.m. and that he hid under her bed after Scott unexpectedly returned home.
The daughter allegedly told police her mother had previously warned her not to bring boys into the house and feared Scott when she entered the residence carrying a firearm.
Investigators said Scott confronted Morton after discovering him inside the home and ordered him to leave. According to the affidavit, an argument followed as Morton exited the residence. The daughter reportedly told police she then heard a single gunshot.
Scott allegedly told investigators, “I did what I had to do.”
The case has sparked discussion on social media about parental authority, self-defense, and the legal limits of using deadly force inside one’s home. Prosecutors have not indicated whether additional charges or evidence will be presented as the investigation continues.