MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A jury has found Latoshia Daniels, 46, guilty of second-degree murder in the 2019 shooting death of Memphis pastor Brodes Perry. Daniels was also convicted of reckless endangerment for injuring Perry’s wife, Tabatha. The verdict came after only a few hours of deliberation.
Daniels faced charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and use of a firearm during a felony. The prosecution argued that Daniels planned the killing while having an affair with Perry and that the murder was premeditated. They highlighted that Daniels had purchased a gun and driven two and a half hours from Arkansas to Memphis, claiming it demonstrated intent.
“We had proved that it was a knowing killing of another person, but we just didn’t quite get there on premeditation,” said Prosecuting Attorney Kevin McAlpin.
Daniels’ defense attorneys did not deny the shooting but argued it was a crime of passion, fueled by emotional distress and alleged manipulation by Perry. Daniels admitted she shot Perry and claimed the shooting of his wife was accidental.
“That’s why we did push for voluntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment, because she was under such emotional distress when this happened. But she was not thinking clearly,” said Defense Attorney Lauren Fuchs.
During her testimony, Daniels shared that she had become suicidal after Perry abruptly ended their relationship in April 2019. She purchased a gun and drove from Sherwood, Arkansas, to Perry’s apartment in Collierville after he suggested they inform his wife about the affair. Daniels described feeling emotionally neglected in her second marriage and said her involvement with Perry provided her with emotional support she had been missing.
Daniels is expected to be sentenced next year, following a hearing scheduled for December.
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