A shocking argument over religion in Tennessee ended in tragedy when a man allegedly shot and killed a woman after she slapped him, police say.
Calvin Johnson Sr., 69, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of 45-year-old Tamara Perkins, according to an arrest affidavit.
The violence unfolded Tuesday inside a home on Morningside Street in Memphis, where Johnson, Perkins, and another person had been drinking together. At some point, the evening spiraled into chaos after a heated debate about religion.
According to a witness, Perkins poured a drink over Johnson’s head and smacked him on the back of his head. Johnson then went to his bedroom, retrieved a shotgun, and returned without a word before firing at her. Police noted Perkins did not have a weapon and made no threats before the shooting.
When officers arrived, they found Perkins lying on the floor with a gunshot wound to her upper left abdomen. A double-barrel shotgun was nearby. Johnson was reportedly on top of Perkins when an officer asked what had happened. “I shot her,” he allegedly admitted on the spot.
Perkins was rushed to a hospital but died from her injuries.
Detectives say Johnson later made several unprompted remarks while in custody, including, “I killed her,” “I’m in trouble, ain’t I?” and “I messed up, didn’t I?” He also told police, “She came at me and she a big woman,” before refusing to answer further questions after being read his rights.
Johnson remains behind bars. Court records show he has a bail hearing scheduled for Monday and another appearance later in the week.
Times up death penalty next stop. No sense keeping him in jail.
“ According to a witness, Perkins poured a drink over Johnson’s head and smacked him on the back of his head.”
Heck, just foreplay….