MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The now-16-year-old suspect charged in connection to the death of the beloved “Watermelon Man” last year, is on the run after skipping a bond hearing on Friday.

John Materna was 76 when he was shot during a robbery while selling watermelons at the corner of Homer Street and Wayne Avenue in Highland Heights last year. He died two weeks later.

A warrant has been issued for 16-year-old Damarion Tackett after the juvenile charged in connection to the Materna’s killing failed to appear for a bond hearing Friday.

Court records show Tackett was granted and posted a $100,000 bond in March of this year. He was indicted by a grand jury in April but failed to show up for a bond hearing.

Materna’s family members did not want to comment on Tackett’s no-show, but Materna’s daughter, April Stokes, acknowledged on the one-year anniversary of her father’s death that the wheels of justice often turn slowly.

“We don’t want them to rush it because we don’t want mistakes. We want it done right the first time, so we’re getting there. It’s making progress,” said Stokes.

Materna sold watermelons for decades at the corner where he was shot. A memorial placed there honors the man, but lifelong friend Randall Linn said it brings no peace or answers as to why Materna died, and why the criminal justice system failed him.

“Until we not enact laws, but we enforce the laws that we have, that are on the books, there’s no deterrent out here. There’s none,” said Linn.

A second suspect involved in the killing has not yet been apprehended.

District Attorney Steve Mulroy has not responded to the latest developments regarding Demarion Tackett skipping his court hearing.