Man Confesses to Killing Grandmother with a Hammer

A Memphis woman was brutally murdered with a hammer inside her home—and police say the killer was her own grandson, who later confessed to the crime after being pulled over in her stolen car.

Sonya Dates, 58, was discovered by her daughter on Wednesday afternoon lying in a pool of blood next to a bloody hammer, according to Memphis police. Paramedics found severe head wounds, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Her cause of death was confirmed as blunt force trauma to the head.

The case took a chilling turn when investigators learned that her 23-year-old grandson, Kerrien Dates, had been living with her—and that her blue 2020 Chevrolet Camaro was missing.

Just hours later, the stolen vehicle was flagged by license plate readers nearly 85 miles away in Jackson, Tennessee. Police pulled Kerrien over and were stunned when he immediately confessed.

“I hit Sonya in the head with a hammer and I think I killed her,” he allegedly told officers, according to court documents.

According to the victim’s daughter, tensions had been building between Kerrien and his grandmother. She had even urged Sonya to kick him out “for safety,” police said. Investigators believe Sonya had just returned home from work when she was attacked—her backpack and lunch bag were still on her when she was found.

Kerrien Dates has been charged with first-degree murder and theft of property. He is currently being held in Shelby County Jail and is expected to appear in court on Monday.

Neighbors are stunned by the violence. “She didn’t bother anybody, she did not deserve it,” said next-door neighbor Tracey Holloman. “It is sad to see she is gone. I am praying for the family.”