Teen accused of killing ‘watermelon man’ transferred to adult court
Demarion Tackett, who is accused of killing John Materna, was given a $100,000 bail by Shelby County Juvenile Court Judge Tarik Sugarmon. (The Daily Memphian file)
Demarion Tackett, 16, is accused of shooting 76-year-old John Materna, who was known for selling watermelons in The Heights neighborhood, on May 15, 2023. Materna died in the hospital two weeks after being shot.
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Watermelon Man Juvenile Court Shelby County Juvenile Court Judge Tarik SugarmonAarron Fleming
Aarron Fleming covers public safety for The Daily Memphian, focusing on crime and the local court system. He earned his bachelor’s in journalism and strategic media from the University of Memphis.
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