Memphis mom killed a man she found under 13-year-old daughter’s bed — now she’s charged with murder

NY Post ^ | 07/19/2026 | Georgia Worrell

[DFG]

A Tennessee mother shot and killed a man she found hiding under her 13-year-old daughter’s bed, according to cops — and now she’s facing first-degree murder charges.

Kendra Scott was arrested after police found a 20-year-old man dead from a gunshot wound in the back of his head outside her Memphis home just before 2 a.m. Thursday, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by The Post.

Her lawyer called the situation, “the worst nightmare of any parent of a 13-year-old girl.”

The 36-year-old mother told officers she came home and “saw a dude under my kids’ bed.”

“And I did what I had to do,” she said, per the affidavit.

The deadly incident unfolded after Scott’s teen daughter told cops she invited the man, Rodderius Morton, to the family’s home at around 1 a.m., according to the court document and Scott’s lawyer.

An enraged Scott started pounding on the front door and bellowing, “Who’s at my house?!” when she arrived home around 30 minutes later, the affidavit states.

Her unidentified daughter grew terrified when she noticed her mom was allegedly holding a gun.

Scott had said that if she “sees a boy in my house I will put a hole in his ass,” the daughter later told cops, according to the affidavit.

The teen eventually let her mother inside, where Scott allegedly found Morton hiding under her bed, the court doc states.

“Get out of my house bitch,” she allegedly screamed, and followed Morton out the front door.

[American Infidel]

Only takes one holdout for a hung jury.

That is her best chance under the circumstances. Two shots to the back of the head while outside is going to be a tough sell as a "self defense" claim.

[Dr. Franklin]

That is her best chance under the circumstances. Two shots to the back of the head while outside is going to be a tough sell as a "self defense" claim.

Judging from the comments here, she has a reasonable chance at that. The daughter may not testify as the prosecution wants when she understands that her mother is facing a life sentence. She could disappear or forget things on the stand.

[Equine1952]

She should have shot him under the bed. Or beat the shit out of her daughter. All in all. Ain’t no Rhodes Scholars in this mess.

[skr]

Absolutely, there is law, but there is also reality. If I found someone in my home who wasn’t supposed to be there, I’d be worried about a return visit with backup, especially if I have a loved one to protect. This is where a guilty plea is legally correct but also where mercy should be applied. This guy wasn’t a happenstance burglar, he had her address.