safety
Mother charged with murder for killing man she found sneaking into her daughter’s bedroom, police say
By Shayna Shayna, Joel Moore, Emily Van de Riet at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 17, 2026
· 1 min read
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC/Gray News) — A woman is accused of shooting and killing a man she found in her child’s bedroom, saying she “did what she had to do.”The shooting happened early Thursday in the Walker Homes neighborhood of Memphis.Memphis police responded to the shooting at 1:45 a.m.When police...
Key takeaway A woman, later identified as Kendra Scott, 36, was arrested at the scene.
Why this matters in The Nashville
In Nashville , this incident raises questions about the limits of self-defense and the role of parental protection. While the details of the case are still unfolding, it's clear that the stakes are high for families and communities. The fact that the child had allegedly invited the man into the house adds a layer of complexity to the situation, highlighting the need for ongoing conversations about safety and boundaries. As the case moves forward, Nashville residents may be watching to see how the courts navigate the intersection of parental rights and the law. The charges against Kendra Scott, including first-degree murder, suggest that the prosecution will be examining the circumstances closely, and the outcome may have implications for how similar cases are handled in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC/Gray News) — A woman is accused of shooting and killing a man she found in her child’s bedroom, saying she “did what she had to do.”The shooting happened early Thursday in the Walker Homes neighborhood of Memphis.Memphis police responded to the shooting at 1:45 a.m.When police...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Shayna Shayna, Joel Moore, Emily Van de Riet at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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