A woman has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the second-degree murder of a Memphis pastor after a tragic incident that unfolded in 2019. Latoshia Daniels, whose conviction was handed down by a jury in November 2025, shot and killed Pastor Brodes Perry at his apartment in Collierville, Tennessee. Daniels was also found guilty of reckless endangerment during the attack, which left Perry’s wife injured.
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The altercation occurred on April 4, 2019, when Daniels travelled from Arkansas to confront Perry following the conclusion of their romantic relationship. Prosecutors alleged that Daniels entered Perry’s residence and shot him fatally, as well as wounding his wife in the process. Initially charged with first-degree murder, the jury ultimately reduced her conviction to second-degree murder.
During a sentencing hearing held on February 24, 2026, Daniels addressed Perry’s family directly, expressing remorse for her actions. “To Tabatha, I’m so sorry. I never meant to hurt you, and I pray that all of you guys will forgive me,” she stated. Her apology extended an acknowledgment of the pain inflicted upon the grieving family, although it will not alleviate the loss they have endured.
Court reports indicated that Daniels expressed “godly sorrow” and requested the court’s leniency. Despite her pleas, the judge maintained a firm stance on the gravity of her actions and the need for accountability. “A broken heart does not justify someone dying,” the judge remarked, reinforcing the idea that emotional turmoil cannot excuse such severe conduct.
Shelby County Prosecutor Kevin McAlpin explained that while the prosecution aimed for a first-degree murder charge, they accepted the jury’s decision as a means of justice for Perry’s family. He commented on the case’s emotional impact, stating that the family was handling the situation as well as could be expected under the circumstances.
The defense team contended that Daniels was experiencing a significant mental health crisis at the time of the shooting. They advocated for the minimum sentence, highlighting her clean criminal record and her commitment to rehabilitation during her incarceration. “Latoshia is someone who has led an exemplary life outside of this very small portion of time,” Defence Attorney Lauren Fuchs argued.
In the end, the judge rejected the defence’s rationale about heartbreak contributing to Daniels’ destructive behaviour. The sentence imposed consists of 20 years for the murder conviction along with an additional 11 months and 29 days for reckless endangerment, both to run concurrently. Although Daniels will receive credit for the time already served, her legal representation has indicated plans to appeal the conviction.
As the case concludes, it serves as a stark reminder of the repercussions of domestic disputes and the tragic outcomes that can arise from unresolved personal relationships. The community continues to grapple with the emotional fallout from the incident, while the Perry family now faces an uncertain future without their loved one.