Memphis Mother Defends Her Home, Shoots Intruder During Violent Break-In
Share
A Memphis woman is being hailed for her quick thinking and courage after she shot an intruder during a violent home invasion, protecting herself and her children inside the house.
The ordeal unfolded on Tuesday evening, July 15, when three suspects, identified as Kimari Burnham, Nala Kelley, and Dejwan Payne, allegedly kicked open the front door and stormed into the woman’s home.
New surveillance video, obtained by FOX13, captures the tense moments as the homeowner pleaded with the intruders to leave, warning that her children were inside.
Despite her urgent plea, the suspects pressed forward. The woman, fearing for her safety and her children’s lives, opened fire—striking Burnham, who was critically injured. The video records Burnham crying out for help after being shot.
Sheriff’s deputies from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office quickly responded to the scene. Burnham and Kelley were taken into custody at the scene and now face charges of aggravated vandalism and burglary. Payne was charged with aggravated battery but was later released on his own recognizance.
Thanks to Tennessee’s strong self-defense laws, the homeowner will not face any charges. Legal experts say the law allows residents to use deadly force against intruders once someone unlawfully enters their home.
“In Tennessee, you can defend your home with deadly force. Once they cross that threshold and they’re inside your house, that’s enough to assume there’s a presumption made that they’re there to do you harm,” defense attorney Brandon Hall explained to FOX13.
He emphasized that the homeowner acted appropriately, retreating to a safe place and using the least force necessary—one shot—to stop the attack.
The suspects remain in custody and are expected in court next week. The incident serves as a stark reminder of both the dangers of home invasions and the rights homeowners have to protect themselves and their families under Tennessee law.
