Teen Charged in Deadly Shooting of John Materna ‘Watermelon Man’

John Materna, who was famously known as “The Watermelon Man,” has been reported dead and a 15-year-old has been charged in connection with the incident.

At the corner of Wayne Avenue and Homer Street on May 15, Materna was selling watermelons at his regular spot.

At approximately 9:15 a.m., a robbery occurred during which he sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach.

The community is in mourning following the death of ‘Watermelon Man’.

Materna passed away on May 29 as a result of his injuries.