MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Northeast Memphis community is in mourning after the loss of a beloved neighbor.
76-year-old John Materna, known to many people as the Watermelon Man, died May 29, after being shot two weeks earlier on May 15.
Memphis Police said two people were involved in his death, including a 15-year-old boy, who now faces charges including first degree murder and aggravated robbery.
It will be up to the District Attorney and Juvenile Court Judge to decide if the boy is transferred to adult court to be tried.
For 30 years, Materna sold watermelons out of the back of his truck, offering a snack, a smile, and cheer for everyone who drove by. The abrupt and unexpected news has hit the neighborhood in Nutbush hard. Emotions continued to flow from visitors, struggling to believe Materna had died.
“I had seen him every day, he was out here everyday,” said Meme, who had known Materna for eight years. “He’d give you the shirt off his back and it’s hurtful.”
Since his death, a memorial has been set up at the intersection of Wayne and Homer, where Materna used to sell fruit for decades. Neighbors have been leaving toys, candles and flowers to honor the memory of the Watermelon Man.
“I’m going to ride past here and I’m not going to get to pull over and get some watermelon and talk with Mr. John about whatever,” said Alicia Hulett.
This is the second high profile Memphis murder case in less than a year where at least one 15-year-old was charged. The last one happened in July 2022, when Reverend Autura Eason-Williams was shot and killed in her Whitehaven driveway.
“What people want to call a crime wave really is just the natural progression of and consequences of some of the financial hardships families have been facing and the gun laws that have been enacted over the past couple of years,” said Ron Davis, a community organizer with Stand for Children.
The intervention group hopes to motivate change across the Bluff City, and improve the lives of troubled children before it is too late. Davis says decisions made in the past have put Memphis youth at risk.
“I’ve been living in this neighborhood for about a decade, I’ve always seen youth standing out here, but as you see they tore down the school. Wondering where do those kids go?” said Davis.
In response to his death, Materna’s family sent ABC24 this statement:
“The tragic loss of this incredible father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend is massive. He is loved by so many people, so much that I don’t think he himself knew the amount of love and admiration that was felt for him. We love you, we miss you and we will always miss you. We will cherish every memory we have of you. We want to thank the community for the love and support they have shown. Here’s a big wave from The Watermelon Man.”
Materna’s family said they will be at the intersection where he used to sell watermelons for a candlelight vigil at 7 p.m. on June 4.