A Tennessee mother is facing a first-degree murder charge after authorities say she fatally shot a man she discovered hiding under her 13-year-old daughter’s bed during the early morning hours at her Memphis home.
The case has drawn widespread attention as investigators continue piecing together what happened and whether the shooting was legally justified under Tennessee law. The defendant has been charged but is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Mother Says She Found an Unexpected Visitor
According to a police affidavit, officers responded to a shooting at a home in southwest Memphis shortly after 2 a.m. on July 16.
When officers arrived, they found Rodderius Morton, 20, lying in the front yard with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators said the homeowner, Kendra Scott, 36, told officers she had returned home and discovered Morton hiding beneath her 13-year-old daughter’s bed.
According to the affidavit, Scott allegedly told police, “I did what I had to do.”
Teen Allegedly Invited the Man Inside
During the investigation, detectives interviewed a juvenile believed to be Scott’s daughter.
According to court documents, the teenager admitted she had invited Morton into the home without her mother’s knowledge.
The girl reportedly told investigators that her mother had previously warned her never to bring boys into the house. When Scott unexpectedly arrived home, Morton allegedly hid beneath the bed before eventually running outside.
Witnesses Describe Moments After the Shooting
A nearby resident told investigators he heard a gunshot before stepping outside.
According to the witness, he saw Scott standing in the yard holding a firearm while Morton lay on the ground. The witness told police Scott repeatedly stated that she had shot him.
Investigators also recovered a handgun and a spent shell casing at the scene as part of the ongoing investigation.
Prosecutors File Murder Charge
Following the investigation, authorities charged Scott with first-degree murder and a firearm-related offense.
She is currently being held without bond and is scheduled to appear in court later this month.
The filing of charges does not determine guilt, and the allegations will now be evaluated through the court process.
Attorney Calls Incident Every Parent’s Nightmare
Scott’s attorney described the case as “every parent’s worst nightmare,” arguing that the circumstances surrounding the incident were highly emotional.
Legal observers note that one of the central issues in the case could be whether Scott’s actions were legally justified after discovering an adult man inside her daughter’s bedroom.
Investigators, however, allege the evidence indicates Morton had already fled the house when he was shot, a fact expected to play a significant role as the case moves forward.
Investigation Continues
Authorities have not announced whether additional evidence will be presented before trial.
As prosecutors continue reviewing witness statements and forensic evidence, the case has sparked debate over self-defense laws, parental protection, and the legal limits of using deadly force after an intruder attempts to flee.
A judge will ultimately determine how the case proceeds as Scott prepares to face the charges in court.
