Memphis Mother Charged After Allegedly Shooting Man Found Hiding Under Daughter's Bed

By Renee Whitley Writer | Founder | Media Host | Author | Motivational Speaker The Chat with Miss Hollywood MissHollywoodMedia LLC

Published: July 17, 2026

Kendra Scott, 36, is facing first-degree murder and firearm charges after authorities say she fatally shot a man she allegedly found hiding beneath her daughter's bed.

Photo: Mugshot obtained via publicly available online records.

A Memphis mother is facing first-degree murder charges after authorities say she fatally shot a man she allegedly discovered hiding beneath her daughter's bed during the early morning hours of July 16.

According to court documents, officers responded to a shooting call at a home around 1:45 a.m. Upon arrival, they found 20-year-old Rodderius Morton suffering from a gunshot wound to the back of the head near the front porch. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say 36-year-old Kendra Scott told investigators she found "a dude under [her] kids' bed" inside the home.

20-year-old Rodderius Morton was fatally shot outside a Memphis home after authorities say he was discovered hiding beneath a child's bed. Police have charged 36-year-old Kendra Scott with first-degree murder in connection with the shooting.

"I did what I had to do," she reportedly told officers.

Investigators say a juvenile who was inside the home told police that Morton had been invited over earlier that morning, arriving around 1:00 a.m. According to the statement, Scott returned home roughly 30 minutes later, loudly knocking on the front door while repeatedly asking, "Who's at my house?"

The juvenile also claimed Scott had previously warned, "If I see a boy in the house, then I will put a hole in his a*."*

After entering the home, Scott allegedly searched the residence and discovered Morton hiding underneath her daughter's bed. Investigators say she ordered him to leave, shouting for him to get out of the house.

According to the affidavit, Morton exited the bedroom and headed toward the front porch. Authorities allege that as he was leaving the residence, Scott shot him once in the back of the head.

A neighbor reportedly told investigators they heard a loud bang before coming outside and seeing a man lying near the front porch. The same witness said Scott was standing in the front yard holding a gun while repeatedly saying, "I shot him. I shot him."

Police also noted that a juvenile at the residence said they were frightened because Scott was visibly angry and armed when she arrived home.

Scott was taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder and employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. Court records indicate she is currently being held without bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and Scott is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

This remains a developing story, and The Chat With Miss Hollywood will continue following the case as it moves through the court system. We'll bring you the latest developments, court updates, and any new information as it becomes available. Be sure to join our growing community so you're among the first to receive breaking news, exclusive stories, and important updates from The Chat With Miss Hollywood.

About the Author

Renee Whitley is the founder of MissHollywoodMedia LLC and creator of The Chat With Miss Hollywood, where she covers breaking news, crime, entertainment, lifestyle, and inspiring stories. As a writer, media host, author, and digital content creator, Renee is committed to delivering factual reporting while encouraging thoughtful conversations about today's most talked-about headlines.

Renee Whitley is the founder of MissHollywoodMedia LLC and creator of The Chat with Miss Hollywood. As a writer, media host, author, and motivational speaker, she covers breaking news, entertainment, crime, lifestyle, and inspiring stories that spark meaningful conversations.

Follow more stories at: TheChatWithMissHollywood.com — Where We Do More Than News.

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