A 20-year-old man, Rodderius Morton, was shot dead outside a Memphis home on July 16 after the homeowner said she found him under her teen daughter's bed. Kendra Scott, 36, has been charged with first-degree murder and was arraigned July 21; bail was set at $100,000 and she is due back in court on August 3. Morton was a former special-education student; his teacher said his cognitive challenges may have affected his understanding of the situation but did not excuse any inappropriate behavior. Police say the fatal shot struck Morton in the back of the head, and the investigation remains active.
Memphis Man Killed After Mother Says She Found Him Under Teen Daughter’s Bed; Teacher Says Victim Was A Former Special-Education Student
Shelby County Sheriff's Office; gunmemorial.org
A 20-year-old man, Rodderius Morton, was shot and killed outside a Memphis home on the morning of July 16 after the homeowner, 36-year-old Kendra Scott, told police she returned home and "saw a dude under my kids' bed." Scott has been charged with first-degree murder and was arraigned July 21; she is being held on $100,000 bail.
An arrest affidavit obtained by WMC indicates Scott’s 13-year-old daughter had invited Morton to the residence. Authorities say the fatal shot struck Morton in the back of the head outside the home. Police have not publicly released additional details about the moments immediately before the shooting, and the investigation and legal proceedings are ongoing.
Community Reaction
Robin Perkins, who taught Morton in middle school special-education classes, told WREG she was devastated by his death and questioned whether his cognitive challenges affected his understanding of the situation that night. Perkins described Morton as "soft-spoken and respectful" and said his thinking "didn't work like a typical 20-year-old's."
WREG
"He was special needs, and I was his special needs teacher," Perkins said. "I do not condone his actions and going and mingling with a 13-year-old. However, when you're cognitively not 20, what do you expect?"
The teacher emphasized that she does not excuse any inappropriate conduct, but urged caution in judging Morton’s level of understanding and responsibility.
Legal Status
Scott was arraigned on July 21 and is due back in court on August 3. Prosecutors allege the lethal shot was intentional; Scott remains in custody as the case proceeds. The facts around how Morton came to be at the home and the events that led to the shooting are still under investigation.
Why This Matters
The case has prompted local discussion about vulnerability, culpability and how the criminal justice system treats people with cognitive or developmental disabilities. Officials and community members are watching the investigation and upcoming court proceedings for more clarity.
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