A Memphis, Tennessee, woman is facing a first-degree murder charge after police say she fatally shot a man who was allegedly found hiding under her daughter’s bed inside her home.
Kendra Scott, 36, was arrested after the shooting death of Rodderius Morton, who was discovered with a gunshot wound in the front yard of a home on Travis Road in Memphis on Thursday. Authorities said officers responding to the scene found Morton suffering from his injuries, but he was later pronounced dead.
According to a police affidavit, Scott told investigators she discovered a man inside her home and confronted him after believing someone was under her child’s bed. Scott allegedly told police, “I saw a dude under my kids’ bed, and I did what I had to do.”
Investigators said a juvenile witness reported hearing Scott yelling, “Who’s at my house?” while entering the home. The witness told police that Scott eventually found Morton under the child’s bed before the situation moved outside.
Police said Morton and Scott became involved in an argument as he was leaving the residence. According to investigators, Morton was not armed when he left the home, and Scott was heard yelling at him before a single gunshot was fired on the front porch.
A witness told police that Morton had entered the home through the back door after being invited inside. Authorities said the investigation is continuing as they work to determine the events leading up to the shooting.
The affidavit also referenced previous statements allegedly made by Scott, including claims that she had said she would shoot someone if she found a man inside her home.
Scott has been charged with first-degree murder and employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. She is currently being held without bond.
The case has sparked discussion surrounding home protection, self-defense claims, and the circumstances surrounding the deadly confrontation. Prosecutors and investigators will continue reviewing evidence as the legal process moves forward.
Authorities have not released additional details about a possible motive or the relationship between Scott and Morton.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further information is expected as the case develops.