U.S. Marshals Capture Juvenile Wanted for Numerous Violent Felonies

Memphis, TN – Demarion Tackett, age 16, was captured today by U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) for numerous violent felonies including first degree murder, aggravated and especially aggravated robbery, murder in perpetration of a robbery, carjacking, and possession of a firearm in commission of a dangerous felony.

On May 15, 2023, John Materna was shot during a robbery at the corner of Homer and Wayne Avenue. He died from his injuries two weeks later. According to reports, Materna, age 76, was a Memphis Street vendor known as “The Watermelon Melon,” who was selling watermelons out the back of his truck when he was shot. Demarion Tackett was identified as a suspect by the Memphis Police Department and was subsequently arrested and charged.

Tackett was released on bond but failed to appear for court, which resulted in the June 21, 2024, issuance of capias. The fugitive case was adopted by the USMS Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force (TRVFTF) in Memphis.

On July 8, around 12 p.m., the USMS tracked Tackett to a residence on Edgar Street in Memphis. 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 there was no escape. He surrendered and was taken into custody without incident.

“It is our hope that the family and friends of John Materna, as well as the Memphis community, can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Demarion Tackett is off the streets,” said United States Marshal Tyreece Miller. “I appreciate the Memphis Police Department’s steadfast work in identifying Tackett as a suspect, and the District Attorney General’s Office for the increased public attention to this fugitive case.”

“We’re grateful for the Marshals’ quick work, and our partnership with them,” said Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy. “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.”

The U.S. Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force is a multi-agency task force within Western Tennessee. The TRVFTF has offices in Memphis and Jackson, and its membership is primarily composed of Deputy U.S. Marshals, Shelby, Fayette, and Tipton County Sheriff’s Deputies, Memphis and Jackson Police Officers, the Tennessee Department of Correction Special Agents and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Since 2021, the TRVFTF has captured over 2,600 violent offenders and sexual predators.