Background: A section of Kendale Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee (Google Maps). Inset left: Derrion Taylor (Shelby County Sheriff”s Office). Inset right: Geraldine Harris (Serenity Funeral Home).
An unsettling incident in Tennessee has led to the arrest of a teenager, accused of fatally shooting a 93-year-old woman in her own home. The motive behind the tragic event reportedly stems from a dispute involving at least one of the other individuals present at the scene.
Derrion Taylor, who was 17 at the time of the crime, now faces grave charges including first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, and two counts of aggravated assault. These charges were confirmed by the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office in a recent announcement.
The incident unfolded on January 17, 2024, when officers from the Memphis Police Department responded to reports of gunfire on Kendale Avenue in Memphis. Upon arrival, they discovered three women had been shot.
Tragically, one of the victims, Geraldine Harris, was declared dead at the scene. The other two victims sustained critical injuries and were immediately transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, according to the district attorney’s office.
In the aftermath of the shooting, detectives uncovered that the violence was triggered by a disagreement involving at least one of the victims and two men, as reported by local CBS affiliate WREG. However, State Representative Antonio Parkinson emphasized that Geraldine Harris was not involved in the conflict.
“She had nothing to do with that,” Parkinson stated, lamenting the senseless loss of a community matriarch. “It’s disheartening that such a respected elder in our community has lost her life over what appears to be a dispute among the younger generation,” he added in his conversation with the media outlet.
Investigators “determined” that Taylor “was responsible for these crimes,” the U.S. Marshals Service said. About a year and a half later, on July 22, 2025, “a juvenile petition was issued for his arrest,” and with the help of U.S .marshals, officers followed Taylor to a residence on Colony Drive in Memphis two days later, surrounded it, and arrested him.
The district attorney’s office provided an update Thursday that Taylor’s case was transferred to adult criminal court. His bond was set at $1 million.
“The facts of this case are deeply disturbing,” Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said. “A 93-year-old woman lost her life in her own home, and two others were critically injured. 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’ obituary chronicles a life of overcoming obstacles and helping others. She was a “long-time Memphis public school teacher, avid church member, and community activist,” it states.
“Education was always at the core of Ms. Harris’ family,” the obit continues, adding that even after she retired more than 40 years ago, she “dedicated herself to serving others. She taught inmates at the Shelby County Penal Farm. She delivered food for the Meals on Wheels program and volunteered diligently at her church.”
