Sonia — East Memphis Grandmother Tragically Found Dead in Colonial Acres; Grandson Keren Daties, 23, Arrested and Charged with First-Degree Murder and Theft in Shocking June 4 Incident
East Memphis, TN – A quiet neighborhood in East Memphis is now the epicenter of heartbreak and shock following the tragic death of Sonia, a beloved grandmother who was found dead in her home on Tuesday, June 4, 2025. In a deeply unsettling twist, her own grandson, Keren Daties, age 23, has been arrested and charged in connection with the killing.
According to the Memphis Police Department, officers were called to Sonia’s residence in the Colonial Acres neighborhood after concerned relatives and neighbors requested a welfare check. Upon arrival, officers discovered the elderly woman deceased inside the home. Authorities immediately opened a homicide investigation, citing the suspicious nature of the scene.
Later that day, Sonia’s vehicle—which was missing from the property—was located by investigators, further raising red flags. Through the course of their investigation, police identified her grandson, Keren Daties, as a person of interest. After gathering sufficient evidence and conducting interviews, Daties was taken into custody. He is now facing first-degree murder and theft of property charges.
A Beloved Matriarch Taken Too Soon
Though Sonia’s full identity and age have not been officially released to the public as of this writing, community members and neighbors have described her as a pillar of warmth, stability, and kindness. A longtime resident of Colonial Acres, Sonia had reportedly lived in the area for decades and was well known among her neighbors for her welcoming spirit and love for her family.
“She was one of those neighbors you could always count on,” said Tina Wallace, who lives three houses down. “She knew everyone by name, gave out candy at Halloween, and sent holiday cards even when most people stopped doing that. This just doesn’t seem real.”
Those who knew Sonia say she was the heart of her family, especially active in the lives of her grandchildren. It is not clear whether Keren Daties lived with his grandmother full-time, but he was known to stay at the residence frequently.
“She adored her grandchildren,” another neighbor shared. “She talked about them all the time. That’s what makes this so much harder to understand.”
Timeline of a Tragedy
On the morning of June 4, concerns reportedly began mounting when family members were unable to get in touch with Sonia. Phone calls went unanswered, and neighbors noticed that her front yard—usually neatly maintained—had gone unattended for several days. After being contacted by concerned relatives, Memphis police officers conducted a welfare check at her home.
Once inside, officers discovered the lifeless body of the elderly woman. While authorities have not released specific details regarding the cause of death, officials quickly confirmed that the case was being treated as a homicide.
In the immediate aftermath, it became clear that Sonia’s car was missing, leading investigators to suspect possible foul play involving someone close to her. That same day, the vehicle was recovered by police, and their investigation soon led them to Keren Daties.
Daties was taken into custody, interviewed by detectives, and later charged with first-degree murder and theft of property. He is currently being held in the Shelby County Jail. No bond has been issued.
Who Is Keren Daties?
Not much has been publicly shared about Keren Daties, the 23-year-old grandson now at the center of this tragedy. Public records and social media profiles suggest he may have struggled with various challenges, but no prior criminal history has yet been confirmed. Law enforcement has not disclosed a possible motive, and it remains unclear what the relationship dynamics were between him and his grandmother.
Those familiar with the family say Daties had been in and out of the home but had not caused public concern previously. Some neighbors described him as quiet but polite; others said they had rarely seen him.
At present, no legal representatives for Daties have made public statements, and it is unknown whether he has retained defense counsel. His arraignment is expected in the coming days, where further case details may be released by the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office.
A Community in Grief
The Colonial Acres neighborhood is known for its peaceful atmosphere and tightly knit sense of community. News of Sonia’s death—and the possibility that she may have died at the hands of her own family member—has left neighbors stunned, fearful, and grieving.
“I’ve lived here for 31 years,” said Harold McKinney, a neighbor who lives across the street. “You never expect something this violent and personal to happen on your street, especially involving a woman as kind and respected as Sonia.”
A candlelight vigil is being organized by local residents in honor of Sonia’s memory. The gathering is set to take place at Colonial Acres Park later this week, where friends, neighbors, and community leaders will speak, pray, and offer condolences to the family.
Unanswered Questions and a Call for Justice
As police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Sonia’s death, members of the community are also asking broader questions about elder safety, mental health, and intergenerational conflict. Experts have warned of a growing trend nationwide in which older adults are placed at increasing risk—sometimes from their own family members.
“This is a horrible, heartbreaking story,” said Dr. Regina Holmes, a clinical psychologist specializing in elder abuse prevention. “Unfortunately, it highlights the urgent need to support not just the elderly, but also their caretakers and family members, especially if there are underlying mental health or economic stressors.”
Authorities are asking that anyone with additional information relevant to this case contact the Memphis Police Department’s Homicide Unit directly.
Funeral and Memorial Arrangements
As of now, funeral arrangements for Sonia have not been publicly released. Friends and family are reportedly working with a local funeral home to coordinate services. A private memorial is expected to be held for close relatives, followed by a public celebration of life, where community members will be invited to pay their respects.
A GoFundMe campaign is reportedly being discussed to help with funeral costs and support surviving family members, though it had not yet been confirmed at the time of publication.
Remembering Sonia
Though her final moments were marked by tragedy, those who knew Sonia say her life was defined by love, faith, and resilience. A woman who survived life’s many seasons, Sonia will be remembered for the kindness she extended to those around her, the strength with which she held her family together, and the quiet grace she carried into every interaction.
“She didn’t deserve this,” said a tearful neighbor. “She deserved peace. She deserved respect. And most of all, she deserved love. We hope justice will give her the peace she was denied.”
Case Summary
- Victim: Sonia (last name not yet released)
- Age: Undisclosed, elderly
- Location: Colonial Acres, East Memphis, TN
- Date of death: June 4, 2025
- Suspect: Keren Daties, 23 (grandson of the victim)
- Charges: First-degree murder, theft of property
- Investigation status: Ongoing
- Funeral plans: To be announced
- Vigil: Colonial Acres Park (details forthcoming)
