Man Arrested for Grandmother’s Murder, Car Theft in Tennessee

In Memphis, Tennessee, 23-year-old Kerrien Dates has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and theft of property after allegedly killing his grandmother, 58-year-old Sonya Dates, with a hammer and stealing her 2020 Chevrolet Camaro. Sonya was found dead in front of her home with multiple blunt force trauma wounds to the head, and a hammer was discovered nearby. Kerrien reportedly admitted to the killing when stopped by police in Jackson, Tennessee, stating, "I hit Sonya in the head and I think I killed her." Sonya's daughter revealed ongoing conflicts between Kerrien and Sonya, and had advised her mother to remove him from the house for safety. The stolen vehicle was recovered after Kerrien was apprehended driving it about 90 miles from the crime scene. Neighbors expressed shock and grief over the incident, underscoring the tragedy's impact on the local community.