MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The teen accused of killing a beloved Memphis watermelon merchant is back in custody after failing to show for a court appearance.
A warrant was issued, and a $5,000 reward offered for 16-year-old Demarion Tackett, who is charged with the murder of 76-year-old John Materna, better known around Memphis as the "Watermelon Man,” during a robbery on May 15, 2023. Materna died on May 29, 2023.
Tackett had been scheduled to appear in Shelby County Criminal Court June 21, but missed his appearance and went on the run. He was out of jail on a $100,000 bond at that time. Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said at that time while his office was successful in transferring Tackett to adult court, they unsuccessfully lobbied for a higher bond than the $100,000 issued by a Shelby County judge.
U.S. Marshals announced Tackett was captured about noon on July 8, 2024, at a home on Edgar St. in Memphis. They said Tackett tried to run out of the back door but gave up when he saw he was surrounded.
Tackett is being held in the Shelby County Jail without bond after being recaptured.
“It is our hope that the family and friends of John Materna, as well as the Memphis community, can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Demarion Tackett is off the streets,” said United States Marshal Tyreece Miller. “I appreciate the Memphis Police Department’s steadfast work in identifying Tackett as a suspect, and the District Attorney General’s Office for the increased public attention to this fugitive case.”
“We’re grateful for the Marshals’ quick work, and our partnership with them,” said Mulroy. “This shows you can’t run from the law—you will be held accountable. Our office will do what is right for John Materna’s family—including making sure the defendant stays in jail until trial, and that he receives appropriate punishment.”
Materna was shot while selling fruit out of his truck, like he had done for 30 years.
According to court documents, officers found Materna lying on the ground at the corner of Homer and Wayne suffering from a gunshot wound on his left side. A black revolver was also lying next to him, the affidavit said. He was taken to Regional One Hospital in critical condition, where he later died.
