Memphis Murder Charges
Mother accused of shooting man found under daughter’s bed receives $100,000 bond
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A Memphis, Tennessee mother is facing a first-degree murder charge after she allegedly shot and killed a man she found hiding under her daughter's bed. Kendra Scott, 36, told police she found the victim in her child's room and did what she "had to do," according to KPLC TV.
A judge set Scott's bond at $100,000 at her court appearance. Her next hearing is scheduled for August 3, according to WIBW.
Man Found Dead in Walker Homes Neighborhood on July 16
The shooting happened on July 16 in Memphis's Walker Homes neighborhood, according to KWTX. Police arrived to find the victim dead at the scene. He had been shot while hiding under a bed in the home.
Scott allegedly told investigators she discovered the man under her daughter's bed. She then made the decision to shoot him. Police took her into custody and prosecutors charged her with first-degree murder.
Scott Charged With Murder and Illegal Gun Use
Scott faces two charges: first-degree murder and employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. The second charge is separate from the murder count and carries its own potential prison time, according to Fox 8 Live.
First-degree murder in Tennessee is a premeditated killing. Prosecutors will likely argue that Scott made a deliberate choice to shoot the man rather than call police. Her statement — that she did what she "had to do" — could play a key role in the case, according to Cleveland 19.
$100,000 Bond Set as Case Moves Forward
A judge set Scott's bond at $100,000 at her initial court appearance. To get out of jail before trial, Scott or her family would need to pay a bail bondsman roughly $10,000, or post the full $100,000 in cash, according to KAIT 8.
Scott's next court date is set for August 3. Prosecutors and her defense attorney will likely use that hearing to discuss evidence and next steps. No trial date has been announced yet, according to WKYT.
Self-Defense Claim Could Be Central to Scott's Defense
Scott's claim that she did what she "had to do" hints at a possible self-defense argument. Tennessee law allows people to use deadly force to protect themselves or others in their home. This is sometimes called the "castle doctrine," according to WLOX.
However, prosecutors charged her with first-degree murder, meaning they believe the killing was planned — not a spontaneous act of self-defense. Whether a jury agrees will depend heavily on the facts presented at trial, according to Alaska's News Source.
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