JUSTICE | Alleged Teenage ‘Watermelon Man’ Killer To Be Tried As An Adult

The teenager charged with the killing of John Materna, or the ‘Watermelon Man’, in May 2023, will be tried as an adult.

Demarion Tackett has been transferred to 201 Poplar after a hearing Wednesday morning..

Tackett was 15 when he arrested after an attempted robbery turned into the death of a beloved watermelon vendor.

He was ultimately charged with  first-degree murder, robbery, aggravated robbery, and employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony.