In the quiet, tree-lined neighborhood of Colonial Acres in East Memphis, a community known for its close-knit charm and suburban tranquility, a devastating tragedy unfolded on June 4, 2025, leaving residents in shock and mourning. Sonia Dates, a beloved grandmother, was found dead in her home, her life cut short in an incident that has shaken the city. The Memphis Police Department responded to a distressing call just after 4:30 p.m. on Perkins Road, where officers discovered Sonia’s lifeless body. Her blue 2020 Chevrolet Camaro, a vehicle she cherished, was missing from the property, deepening the mystery surrounding her death. Hours later, the car was recovered, but the discovery only led to a more heartbreaking revelation: Sonia’s 23-year-old grandson, Kerrien Dates, was arrested in Jackson, Tennessee, and charged with first-degree murder and theft of property in connection to her death.
The details of Sonia’s death have left the Colonial Acres community grappling with grief and disbelief. Described by neighbors as a warm and generous woman, Sonia was a fixture in the area, known for her kindness and quiet strength. Her sudden and violent passing has cast a shadow over the neighborhood, where such incidents are rare. The Memphis Police Department has been tight-lipped about the specifics of the investigation, citing its ongoing nature, but confirmed that Kerrien Dates was taken into custody following a swift operation that led authorities to Jackson, roughly 80 miles from Memphis. The charges against him—first-degree murder and theft—suggest a deliberate act, though the motive remains unclear. Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in piecing together the events that led to this tragedy.
The loss of Sonia Dates has reverberated beyond her immediate family, touching the hearts of those who knew her and even those who did not. Colonial Acres, a neighborhood marked by its peaceful streets and well-kept homes, is no stranger to the occasional crime, but a homicide of this nature feels deeply personal to residents. The fact that the suspect is Sonia’s own grandson adds a layer of sorrow to an already unimaginable loss. Community members have begun sharing stories of Sonia’s life, painting a picture of a woman who lived with grace and dignity. She was reportedly a devoted grandmother who took pride in her family, often seen tending to her garden or chatting with neighbors about the small joys of everyday life.
As the investigation continues, questions linger about what drove Kerrien Dates to allegedly commit such a heinous act. Authorities have not released details about the circumstances of Sonia’s death, including the cause or whether the theft of her car was a primary motive. The recovery of the Chevrolet Camaro, a detail that initially sparked hope in the case, now serves as a grim reminder of the loss at its center. Memphis, a city that has faced its share of violent crime, is once again confronted with a story that underscores the fragility of life and the complexities of human relationships.
The arrest of Kerrien Dates marks a step toward justice, but it does little to ease the pain felt by those who knew Sonia. The community has rallied to honor her memory, with some neighbors organizing a small vigil to celebrate her life and offer support to her loved ones. For now, Colonial Acres waits for answers, holding onto the hope that clarity will bring some measure of peace. The Memphis Police Department continues to investigate, and the public’s assistance remains critical in ensuring that justice is served for Sonia Dates, a woman whose life was taken too soon in a place she called home.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of loss and the importance of community in times of grief. As Memphis mourns, the story of Sonia Dates will linger, a poignant call to cherish those we hold dear and to seek understanding in the face of unthinkable acts.
