MEMPHIS, Tenn. – A 23-year-old man faces serious charges after allegedly killing his grandmother in a brutal attack and subsequently stealing her car. The incident, which has left the community in shock, unfolded earlier this month when police discovered the body of 58-year-old Sonya Dates outside her home on South Perkins Road.
Authorities responded to the scene on June 5, where they pronounced Sonya dead shortly after their arrival. According to police reports, arguments had reportedly escalated in the household, leading Sonya’s daughter to advise her mother to remove Kerrien Dates from her home for safety reasons. This troubling dynamic has raised alarms among neighbors, who expressed concern about the escalating tensions leading up to the tragic event.
Witnesses in the area noted a shift in Kerrien’s behavior days before the incident. A neighbor, Tracey Holloman, recounted seeing him acting strangely and frequently entering and exiting the home. “Sunday I noticed he looked different, with unkempt hair,” Holloman said. “It’s heartbreaking to see her gone. She was a good person who never bothered anyone. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.”
Police located Kerrien Dates in Jackson, Tennessee, where he was arrested. Official documents reveal that he allegedly confessed to the crime, stating, “I hit Sonya in the head and I think I killed her.” This chilling admission indicates a troubling premeditation behind the violent act.
In addition to the murder charge, Kerrien faces counts of theft after taking Sonya’s vehicle, a 2020 Chevrolet Camaro. Authorities were able to recover the car following his arrest, providing some relief in a case that has shaken the local community.
As details of the case emerge, the Dates family is left to grapple with their loss amidst mounting grief and questions about the circumstances leading to such a devastating crime. The investigation is ongoing as friends and neighbors rally to support the family during this difficult time, hoping justice will be served for Sonya’s memory.