Tennessee mother charged after fatal shooting following alleged home intrusion

Tuesday 21 July 2026 - 09:53

By: Sahili Aya

Tennessee mother charged after fatal shooting following alleged home intrusion

A 36-year-old woman in Memphis, Tennessee, has been charged following the fatal shooting of a man who was discovered inside her home during the night, according to local authorities and court documents.

Police officers responded to a reported shooting shortly before 2 a.m. on July 16 in the 3000 block of Travis Road. When they arrived at the scene, they found an unidentified man suffering from a gunshot wound outside the residence. The victim, later identified as Rodderius Morton, was pronounced dead at the location.

Authorities have not released further details about the circumstances that led to the shooting, including how the man entered the property or the events immediately preceding the gunfire.

Woman tells investigators she confronted an intruder

According to statements reported from the investigation, Kendra Scott told officers that she had discovered a man hiding under her child’s bed after returning home.

Investigators said Scott allegedly told police she had responded to the situation by taking action against the intruder. Her defence team has indicated that the case involves concerns over protecting her family, although the legal arguments surrounding the incident have not yet been fully presented in court.

A 13-year-old girl was reportedly inside the home at the time of the events, according to Scott’s attorney. Authorities have not publicly released the child’s identity.

Legal process begins amid questions over circumstances

The case is now moving through the criminal justice system as prosecutors examine the evidence and determine how the shooting should be legally classified.

Investigators are expected to review witness statements, forensic evidence and other information gathered from the residence as part of the ongoing inquiry.

The incident has renewed discussion in the United States over home protection laws, self-defence claims and the complex legal questions that arise when residents confront people inside their properties.

For now, authorities have provided limited information while the investigation continues.