Full Breakdown
Memphis Mother Charged with First-Degree Murder After Shooting Man Found Under Daughter’s Bed
7/21/2026, 4:45:02 AM
Court Appearance and Charges
On Monday, Kendra Scott, a Memphis mother, appeared in a Shelby County court on a first-degree murder charge and an additional count of employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. The court set her bond at $100,000 and ordered her to stay away from the victim’s family. Scott is scheduled to return to court on August 3.
Incident Details
Police responded to a shooting call on July 17 at a residence in the 3000 block of Travis Road. Officers found Rodderius Morton dead from a gunshot wound to the back of his head near the front porch. According to investigators, Morton entered the home through the back door at approximately 1 a.m. and later hid under the bed in a juvenile’s room. The juvenile, who later testified, said Scott arrived around 1:30 a.m., knocked loudly, and demanded to know who was inside. After being let in, Scott allegedly confronted Morton, shouting, “Get out of my house, b****!” The two moved to the front porch, where a single gunshot was heard, resulting in Morton’s death.
Legal Context and Ongoing Investigation
Scott’s defense attorney, Blake Ballin, noted uncertainty about whether Tennessee’s newly enacted “Stand Your Ground” law will affect the case. The defense is awaiting doorbell-camera footage and an autopsy report to clarify the circumstances of the shooting. No official determination has been made regarding a possible scuffle or accidental discharge of the firearm.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don’t know enough about what led to the actual shooting. I don’t know if there was a scuffle, I don’t know if there was an accidental discharge, I just don’t know,” — Blake Ballin, defense attorney
- “I did what I had to do.” — Kendra Scott, defendant
- “Get out of my house, b****!” — Kendra Scott, during confrontation
- “Who’s at my house?” — Juvenile witness, after hearing Scott knock on the front door
