A Tennessee woman has been arrested on murder charges after authorities say she shot and killed a man she discovered hiding under her daughter’s bed inside her Memphis home during the early hours of Wednesday morning.
According to the Memphis Police Department, Kendra Scott, 36, has been charged with first-degree murder and employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony in the death of 20-year-old Rodderius Morton.
Police Responded to Fatal Shooting
The incident occurred at a residence on Travis Road in the Walker Homes neighborhood of Memphis.
Officers responded to the home at approximately 1:45 a.m. after receiving reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they found Morton lying in the front yard near the porch with a gunshot wound to the back of his head, according to an arrest affidavit.
Despite emergency response efforts, Morton died from his injuries.
Suspect Allegedly Admitted to Shooting
According to investigators, Scott made an incriminating statement shortly after the shooting.
Police said she told officers, “I saw a dude under my kids’ bed, and I did what I had to do.”
Authorities later identified Scott as the suspected shooter and took her into custody.
Neighbor Reportedly Witnessed Aftermath
As part of the investigation, detectives interviewed a neighbor who said he had heard loud banging before stepping outside.
The neighbor reportedly found Morton wounded near the front porch and saw Scott standing nearby while holding a firearm.
According to police, the witness heard Scott repeatedly say, “I shot him, I shot him.”
Victim Had Allegedly Entered Home Earlier
Investigators also interviewed a juvenile girl who was inside the home when the incident occurred.
According to court documents, the girl said Morton had been invited into the residence through the back door at approximately 1:00 a.m.
She told investigators Scott returned home around 1:30 a.m., loudly knocked on the front door, and repeatedly shouted, “Who’s at my house?”
The girl said she feared Scott
The juvenile told detectives she was frightened because Scott appeared angry and was carrying a handgun.
According to the affidavit, the girl also recalled Scott previously warning her, “If I see a boy in the house, then I will put a hole in his a—.”
After the girl opened the front door, Scott entered the residence.
Morton Was Found Hiding Under the Bed
Police said Morton was hiding underneath the bed in the girl’s bedroom when Scott came inside.
According to the juvenile witness, Scott discovered Morton, and the two began arguing.
Investigators said Scott repeatedly ordered him to leave, shouting, “Get out of my house, b—.”
Morton then attempted to leave the residence.
Fatal Shot Fired Outside Home
According to the witness, Morton reached the front porch while trying to leave.
Police allege Scott followed him outside, and moments later, the girl heard a single gunshot.
When officers arrived, they found Morton in the front yard suffering from a fatal gunshot wound.
Scott Held Without Bond
Scott was arrested and booked into the Shelby County Jail, where she remains held without bond.
She is scheduled to appear in court on Monday to face charges of first-degree murder and employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony.
The case remains under investigation. The allegations against Scott have not been proven in court, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
