In May of 2023, the city of Memphis lost a beloved figure, John Materna, a 76-year-old white male affectionately known as the 'Watermelon Man.' For three decades, Materna was a familiar and welcome presence in his community, selling watermelons from the back of his truck at the corner of Homer Street and Wayne Street. His friendly demeanor and daily routine made him a cherished part of the neighborhood.
The series of events that led to his tragic death began on May 15, 2023.
On that day, Materna was shot during what authorities described as a robbery. For two weeks, he fought for his life, but ultimately succumbed to his injuries on May 29, 2023. The news of his passing sent ripples of grief and shock through the community that had known and loved him for so long.
In the wake of the shooting, the Memphis Police Department launched an investigation that quickly led to a suspect. A 15-year-old male, Demarion Tackett, was arrested and charged in connection with the fatal shooting. The charges brought against the teenager included first-degree murder and attempted robbery. Given the serious nature of the crime, the decision was made to try Tackett as an adult. In August 2024, he was indicted by a grand jury on charges of first-degree murder and attempted robbery. Following the indictment, Tackett was held without bond.
