MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The teen accused of killing 'Red the Watermelon Man' has received a warrant for his arrest.
The warrant for Demarion Tackett's arrest was issued following a June 21 hearing in which a capias was filed, which typically occurs when someone misses court. Tackett's lawyer was not immediately available for comment.
Tackett, 16, will be tried for murder as an adult, the Shelby County District Attorney's Office confirmed in February.
Tackett faces several charges, including first-degree murder, after Memphis Police said he shot 76-year-old John Materna during a robbery on May 15, 2023. Materna then died on May 29, 2023.
Tackett had been in jail on a $100,000 juvenile court bond. That bond was posted March 29, 2024. The teen's charges include first degree murder, aggravated and especially aggravated robbery, murder in perpetration of a robbery, carjacking, and possession of a firearm in commission of a dangerous felony.
Materna, who was known around the neighborhood as the “Watermelon Man,” was shot May 15 while selling fruit out of his truck, like he had done for 30 years.
According to court documents, officers found John 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 on May 29.
