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,
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