Family of Missouri man allegedly killed by Memphis murder suspect speaks

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – U.S. Marshals and Memphis Police captured 18-year-old Demario Wilson two days ago and charged him with murder in the death of a Missouri father.

Authorities say the robbery turned shooting all happened over a gaming system, but the significant other of the man he’s accused of killing tells Action News 5, a different story.

Wilson is charged two counts of first degree murder and other robbery charges for the killing Homero Pena, Jr.

Pena came down to Memphis with someone he thought was a friend.

His significant other tells Action News 5 she believes he was set up.

“I didn’t find out until later on that night what really happened to him,” said Kaitlyn Puga, Homero Pena’s significant other.

Kaitlyn Puga’s life hasn’t been the same since the father of her children was killed April 18th.

“He was really a good father,” said Puga. “The kids I guess they know that he’s gone now. That was everything to them.”

Kaitlyn and Homero Pena, Jr. had been dating since the fifth grade and share two daughters together with a third on the way.

Memphis Police say 18-year-old Demario Wilson shot and killed Pena at Summit Arbors Circle near Covington Pike.

Puga says Pena and a friend drove from Kennett, Missouri to Memphis to exchange this car with Harris and others, but she urged him not to go.

“I believe that he told the dudes from Memphis, that Hermero took the car and basically took him down there, basically was a set up.”

U.S. Marshalls say a witness claims the shootout began over a gaming system but Puga doesn’t believe that and an affidavit from Memphis Police paints a different picture.

According to the affidavit, Harris shot Pena five times.

Harris and two other people took car keys, a phone and cash from Pena after shooting him.

The affidavit also says the friend who was with Pena was also robbed of this phone and a Dodge Charger.

Police knew who Wilson was a witness identified him in a lineup, according to the affidavit.

He was arrested by the U.S. Marshall’s May 21st.

Wilson has an extensive criminal history. Police say he was arrested in November 2023 for a string of car thefts in East Memphis and running from police.

Court records show that case was dismissed by Judge Bill Anderson.

Wilson was then charged for several vehicle burglaries that same month. Court records show he was indicted in March 2024, an arrest warrant was issued.

Wilson was charged May 21st for shooting up an apartment with a handgun with an extended magazine, that allegedly happened on May 14, after police took him into custody for Homero Pena’s murder.

Memphis Police tell Action News 5 there is an arrest warrant out for a second suspect.

Meanwhile Kaitlyn and Homero’s are hoping for more arrests and information for this case as they continue to grieve.

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