3 victims, including DeSoto Co. juvenile detention officer, killed in crash

DESOTO CO., Miss. (WMC) - Three people, including an officer of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center, are dead following a crash Wednesday.

The crash reportedly involved a civilian vehicle around 8:04 p.m. along U.S. 61 in Walls, Mississippi.

The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office says one juvenile detention officer died and another was seriously wounded. The Walls Police Department says one of their patrol officers was also involved, but did not confirm his condition.

The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the investigation. MHP reports that three victims total perished in the crash.

MHP says a 27-year-old driver identified as Da’Quarius M. Burton, of Memphis, collided with a 2021 Honda Accord at the intersection of Highway 61 and Church Road.

MHP says three occupants of the Accord were pronounced dead at the scene. Burton and a fourth, unidentified passenger of the Accord survived and were rushed to a hospital for treatment.

The deceased have been identified as 37-year-old Latasha N. Dodson of Horn Lake, 41-year-old Eddie L. Dodson of Byhalia, and 32-year-old Tamenshia R. Ford of Horn Lake.

Though MHP named the deceased victims, officials have not specified their employment with either law enforcement agency.

“Our fallen officer was a respected and beloved member of our team,” DCSO wrote in a release. “They distinguished themselves through kindness, compassion, and dedication to the young people entrusted to our care. Their work made a difference, and their influence reached beyond the walls of our facility.”

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