A Memphis, Tennessee, woman has been charged with first-degree murder following the fatal shooting of a man who police say was found inside her home on Thursday. Authorities allege the victim was discovered hiding under a child’s bed before a confrontation escalated outside the residence.
According to the Memphis Police Department, officers responded to a home on Travis Road after reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they found Rodderius Morton suffering from a gunshot wound in the front yard. He was transported for medical treatment but was later pronounced dead.
Investigators identified 36-year-old Kendra Scott as the suspected shooter. According to a police affidavit, Scott told detectives she believed someone was hiding under her daughter’s bed and confronted the individual after entering the home. The affidavit states that she told investigators, “I saw a dude under my kids’ bed, and I did what I had to do.”
Police said a juvenile witness reported hearing Scott yelling, “Who’s at my house?” as she entered the residence. Investigators allege that Scott located Morton hiding under the child’s bed before the encounter moved outside.
According to the affidavit, Scott and Morton argued as he was leaving the home. Investigators allege that Morton was unarmed when he exited the residence and that Scott was heard shouting at him moments before a single gunshot was fired from the front porch.
Authorities also cited a witness who reportedly told investigators that Morton had entered the home through the back door after being invited inside. Detectives continue to examine the circumstances surrounding his presence inside the residence and the events that led to the fatal shooting.
The affidavit further references alleged prior statements by Scott in which she reportedly said she would shoot someone if she found a man inside her home. Investigators included those statements as part of the case documentation.
Scott has been charged with first-degree murder and employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. Court records indicate she is being held without bond pending further legal proceedings.
The case has drawn significant public attention and sparked discussion regarding home protection, self-defense laws, and the legal standards governing the use of deadly force. Whether Scott’s actions were legally justified will ultimately be determined through the judicial process.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed additional information regarding a possible motive or the nature of the relationship, if any, between Scott and Morton. The investigation remains active, and police have indicated that additional details may be released as the case proceeds through the courts.
As the investigation continues, all allegations against Scott remain subject to judicial review, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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