Samantha Marion, a 42-year-old woman from Tennessee, is facing trial for the shooting death of local pastor Ricky Floyd, 58, which occurred on March 12. Marion was initially charged with voluntary manslaughter, but her charges were later upgraded to second-degree murder, reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, and employing a firearm with intent to commit a felony. The indictment was handed down by a grand jury on August 26, but a trial date has yet to be determined.
Marion’s defense attorney has argued that she acted in self-defense during a heated argument about religion with Floyd outside a Memphis bar. According to the defense, Floyd left the scene in his vehicle but later returned and approached Marion. A cellphone video taken by Marion, which was shared with local media by her defense attorney, allegedly shows Floyd advancing aggressively towards Marion despite her verbal warnings for him to stop.
During a preliminary hearing in June, Patrolman Cordell Boyd, the first officer to respond to the scene on the night of the incident, testified for the prosecution. Boyd disputed Marion’s self-defense claim, stating that she had the opportunity to leave the scene but instead chose to retrieve her gun from her vehicle and open fire on Floyd.
The prosecution also presented surveillance video evidence that allegedly shows Floyd backing away from Marion at the moment she shot him. Additional footage purportedly shows Floyd throwing beer cans and Marion’s phone in the moments leading up to the fatal confrontation.
John Keith Perry, Marion’s attorney, continues to assert his client’s self-defense claim. He argues that the video taken by Marion shows Floyd approaching her despite her repeated warnings. Perry expressed his belief that Marion was in grave danger and defended herself, resulting in her involvement in the criminal justice system.
Perry also suggested that there were details from the confrontation that were omitted from the arrest affidavit. However, he did not provide further clarification on this point. Both Perry and the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office were contacted for comment but did not respond immediately.
Marion was released after posting a $100,000 bond a few days after her arrest. She remains free pending trial.