MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Demarion Tackett, the primary suspect in the 2023 homicide of John Materna, has been captured by US Marshals after weeks on the run.
Tackett, 16, had been evading authorities since June 24 following a missed court appearance.
The USMS tracked Tackett to a residence on Edgar Street in Memphis around noon on Monday.
With the assistance of the Memphis Police Department’s Fugitive Apprehension Team and the Multi-Agency Gang Unit, deputy marshals surrounded the residence.
Tackett tried to run out the back door, but gave up when he saw he was surrounded by law enforcement.
He surrendered and was taken into custody without incident.
“We’re grateful for the Marshals’ quick work, and our partnership with them,” Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy said. “This shows you can’t run from the law—you will be held accountable. Our office will do what is right for John Materna’s family—including making sure the defendant stays in jail until trial, and that he receives appropriate punishment.”
Known by the public as the “Watermelon Man” Materna was fatally shot in May of 2023.
According to Memphis Police, Materna was shot after two men in a silver Infiniti attempted to rob him on the Berclair street corner where he was selling watermelons.
After being charged as an adult for his connection to the incident, Tackett was released on a $100,000 bond in March.
Tackett is now facing several charges including first-degree murder, especially aggravated robbery and possession of a firearm in the commission of a dangerous felony.