Juvenile Suspect Transferred to Adult Court; $1 Million Bond Set in Killing of 19-Year-Old Aaliyah Kyles

Shelby County, TN — A judge has transferred 18-year-old Armani Watson to adult court and set his bond at $1 million in the July 2024 killing of 19-year-old Aaliyah Kyles. Watson was 17 at the time of the offense.

Earlier this week, probable cause was established on all charges, including allegations that Watson broke into Kyles’ home, sexually assaulted her, and fatally shot her. Prosecutors say Watson admitted to the crimes during the investigation. Memphis Police officers found Kyles deceased in her bathtub.

Because of the brutality of the attack, the Shelby County DA’s Office immediately sought to have Watson prosecuted as an adult and requested the transfer following the initial arrest.

Further court proceedings will be scheduled in the coming weeks.