A shocking shooting in Memphis, Tennessee, has led to serious charges against a teenager accused of killing a 93-year-old woman inside her own home. Authorities say the elderly victim had nothing to do with the dispute that reportedly triggered the violent attack.
Teen Charged in Deadly Memphis Shooting
Prosecutors in Shelby County have charged Derrion Taylor with multiple serious offenses related to the shooting.
Taylor faces the following charges:
- First-degree murder
- Two counts of attempted first-degree murder
- Two counts of aggravated assault
Officials said Taylor was 17 years old at the time of the incident. His case has now been transferred to adult criminal court.
93-Year-Old Woman Killed in Her Own Home
The shooting happened on January 17, 2024, at a home on Kendale Avenue in Memphis.
According to the Memphis Police Department, officers responded to reports of gunfire and arrived to find three women suffering from gunshot wounds.
The victims included:
- Geraldine Harris, 93, who was pronounced dead at the scene
- Two other women who were taken to a nearby hospital with critical injuries
Authorities described the case as especially disturbing due to the age of the victim and the location of the attack.
Police Say Shooting Was Linked to a Dispute
Investigators later determined that the violence was connected to a disagreement between at least one of the victims and two men.
However, officials and community leaders believe Geraldine Harris was not involved in the dispute.
Tennessee State Representative Antonio Parkinson, who represents the Memphis area, said the elderly woman was an innocent victim.
According to Parkinson, Harris had no role in the conflict and lost her life because of an unrelated argument involving younger individuals.
Teen Suspect Arrested After Long Investigation
After investigating the case, authorities identified Derrion Taylor as the suspect.
On July 22, 2025, a juvenile petition was issued for his arrest.
With assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, officers tracked Taylor to a residence on Colony Drive in Memphis. Law enforcement surrounded the home and arrested him two days later.
Following his arrest, Taylor’s case was transferred from juvenile court to adult criminal court. A judge set his bond at $1 million.
District Attorney Calls Case ‘Deeply Disturbing’
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy described the case as heartbreaking.
He said the killing of a 93-year-old woman inside her own home is deeply troubling, especially since two other victims were also seriously injured.
Mulroy also expressed sympathy for Harris’s family and said prosecutors are committed to seeking justice as the case moves forward.
Geraldine Harris Remembered as Teacher and Community Leader
Family members and community members remember Geraldine Harris as a dedicated educator and community helper.
According to her obituary, Harris spent many years working as a public school teacher in Memphis. Even after retiring more than four decades ago, she continued to serve her community.
Her volunteer work included:
- Teaching inmates at the Shelby County Penal Farm
- Delivering meals through the Meals on Wheels program
- Volunteering regularly at her church
Friends and family say education and helping others were always central parts of her life.
Community Mourns Loss of a Respected Elder
Harris was widely respected in her community and seen as a mentor and role model. Her death has left many residents shocked and saddened.
As the legal process continues, community members say they hope justice will be served while also honoring the life and legacy of a woman who spent decades helping others.
