A 17-year-old boy in Tennessee faces first-degree murder charges after allegedly shooting and killing a 93-year-old woman in her Memphis home during a disagreement involving others. The incident also left two other women critically injured. Authorities arrested the suspect over a year later and transferred his case to adult court.
On January 17, 2024, police in Memphis, Tennessee, responded to reports of a shooting on Kendale Avenue, where they found three women who had been struck by gunfire. Geraldine Harris, aged 93, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other two victims were hospitalized with critical injuries.
The shooting stemmed from a disagreement between at least one of the victims and two men, according to local reports. State Representative Antonio Parkinson, who represents the Memphis area, emphasized that Harris was not involved in the dispute. "She had nothing to do with that and the fact that here [is that] one of our matriarchs in the community has lost her life because of some nonsense that's going on probably with younger people," Parkinson stated.
Investigators identified 17-year-old Derrion Taylor as the perpetrator. A juvenile petition for his arrest was issued on July 22, 2025, and he was apprehended two days later at a residence on Colony Drive in Memphis, with assistance from U.S. Marshals. Taylor now faces charges of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, and two counts of aggravated assault. His case has been transferred to adult criminal court, with bond set at $1 million.
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy described the incident as deeply disturbing. "A 93-year-old woman lost her life in her own home, and two others were critically injured," Mulroy said. "Our hearts are with Ms. Harris's family and loved ones as they continue to endure this unimaginable loss. We are committed to pursuing justice and ensuring accountability as this case moves forward in criminal court."
Harris was remembered as a long-time Memphis public school teacher, avid church member, and community activist. Even after retiring more than 40 years ago, she continued serving others by teaching inmates at the Shelby County Penal Farm, delivering meals through the Meals on Wheels program, and volunteering at her church.