The family of John Materna, who was fatally shot May 15 while selling his local produce, spoke exclusively to KWAM Friday morning about his impact on the community and the issue of juvenile crime.
Materna’s sons, Daniel and Steve, told “Wake Up Memphis” they are grieving the loss of their father, a 76-year-old Memphis native known as “Red the Watermelon Man.” The alleged killer is 15-year-old Damarion Tackett.
Read More: Police Arrest Teen in Murder of Beloved Watermelon Man“It is extremely concerning that you have juveniles out here running around doing these heinous crimes,” they said. “It seems like they have no respect and no fear of anything, law enforcement, people, you know, and I personally think that starts at home.”
The sons thanked the community for the outpouring of love, and they encouraged others to honor their father by living as he did.
“He was a very compassionate man, and something as simple as a little wave or holding the door open for somebody at the convenience store, or you know, something as simple as that, a little act of kindness can go a long way,” the sons told KWAM.
To donate to the Materna family, click here.Listen to the full segment below:
