Memphis Woman Charged With First-Degree Murder After Fatal Shooting of Man Found Under Daughter’s Bed

A Memphis woman has been charged with first-degree murder after police say she fatally shot a man who was allegedly found hiding under her daughter’s bed inside her home, according to court records and investigators.

Authorities identified the suspect as Kendra Scott, 36, who was arrested following the shooting death of Rodderius Morton on Thursday at a residence on Travis Road in Memphis.

According to the Memphis Police Department, officers responded to reports of a shooting and found Morton suffering from a gunshot wound in the front yard of the home. He was transported for medical treatment but was later pronounced dead from his injuries.

Police affidavit details confrontation inside the home

A police affidavit states that Scott told investigators she believed someone was hiding under her child’s bed and confronted the individual after entering the room.

Investigators say Scott allegedly told officers:

“I saw a dude under my kids’ bed, and I did what I had to do.”

A juvenile witness reportedly told police that Scott entered the home yelling, “Who’s at my house?” before discovering Morton under the child’s bed.

Reported sequence of events

Investigators say Morton was not armed when leaving

Police said the confrontation eventually moved outside as Morton was leaving the residence. According to investigators, Morton was not armed when he exited the home, and witnesses reported hearing Scott yelling at him immediately before a single gunshot was fired on the front porch.

A witness also told police that Morton had entered the home through the back door after being invited inside, a claim investigators are continuing to examine as part of the ongoing homicide investigation.

Prior statements referenced in affidavit

The affidavit further alleges that Scott had previously made statements indicating she would shoot someone if she found a man inside her home. Investigators included those alleged remarks as part of the evidence presented in support of the charges.

Charges and custody status

Scott has been charged with:

• First-degree murder

• Employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony

She is currently being held without bond, according to jail records.

Legal issues likely to be central to the case

The case has drawn significant public attention because it involves questions of home protection, self-defense, and the use of deadly force. Tennessee law includes provisions related to self-defense and protection inside one’s residence, but prosecutors appear to be alleging that the shooting occurred after the immediate confrontation had moved outside and while Morton was leaving the property.

A court will ultimately determine whether Scott’s actions were legally justified or whether the evidence supports the murder charge filed by prosecutors.

Investigation remains ongoing

Authorities have not released additional information about a possible motive or the nature of the relationship, if any, between Scott and Morton.

The Memphis Police Department says the investigation remains active, and additional evidence, witness statements, and forensic findings are expected to be reviewed as the case proceeds through the legal system.

Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouraged to contact Memphis police or CrimeStoppers.

This article is for informational purposes only. All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The investigation is ongoing, and details may change as additional information becomes available from law enforcement and court proceedings.