‘I think I killed her’: Grandson accused of killing grandmother with hammer, stealing her car

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC/Gray News) - A man in Tennessee is accused of killing his grandmother with a hammer and stealing her car.

On June 5, officers arrested 23-year-old Kerrien Dates in connection with the death of 58-year-old Sonya Dates.

The 58-year-old was discovered in front of a home on South Perkins Road. She was pronounced dead on the scene.

Sonya’s daughter told police that Kerrien and Sonya had been having arguments, and she had encouraged Sonya to kick him out of the house for her safety.

Officers say that Sonya’s vehicle, a 2020 Chevrolet Camaro, was also missing, which was later recovered.

Kerrien was later arrested by police in Jackson, Tennessee; the affidavit reads that he allegedly itted to the killing, saying, “I hit Sonya in the head and I think I killed her.”

Tracey Holloman lives next-door to the Dates’ and said early in the week she could sense that something was not right.

“Sunday I did see him and his hair was really big and everything and I thought it was strange he was going in and out of the house and it is sad to see she is gone,” Holloman said. “She was a good person she didn’t bother anybody she did not deserve it, I am praying for the family.”

Dates is now facing charges for first-degree murder and theft of property.

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