Crime
46-Year-Old Woman Charged in the Fatal Shooting of Rita Williams at St. Louis QuikTrip
ST. LOUIS, MO — The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office has filed formal charges against 46-year-old Bessie Thomas in connection with the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Rita Williams, which occurred Thursday afternoon at a QuikTrip gas station located in the 900 block of South Vandeventer Avenue.
Thomas faces multiple charges, including First-Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.
Authorities confirmed that Thomas and Williams were known to each other, and the tragic incident stemmed from a personal dispute that escalated into violence.
Officers from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department responded to reports of gunfire around 5:00 p.m.
Upon arrival, they discovered Williams suffering from critical gunshot wounds. Despite the life-saving efforts of first responders, Williams was pronounced dead at the scene.
Williams, a mother of four, has been remembered by family and friends as a loving and devoted parent whose untimely death has left a profound void in the lives of those who knew her.
Thomas was apprehended shortly after the incident and is currently in custody as the investigation continues.
Detectives are working diligently to gather additional evidence and interview witnesses to fully understand the circumstances that led to the shooting.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department urges anyone with information related to this case to come forward.
Tips can be submitted directly to the department or anonymously through CrimeStoppers. Community cooperation is vital in ensuring justice for the Williams family and holding those responsible accountable.
Crime
Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton Injured in Deadly Mississippi Crash, Mother Confirms He Is Alive and Safe
DESOTO COUNTY, Mississippi — Walls Police Officer Da’Quarius Burton was injured in a deadly two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 61 in DeSoto County, Mississippi, but his mother has confirmed that he is alive, safe and recovering following the crash.
Burton, 27, of Memphis, Tennessee, was driving a Dodge Durango involved in the collision shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls.
The crash claimed the lives of three people traveling in a Honda Accord. The incident also left another passenger injured and involved employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center.
Following the crash, misinformation circulated online suggesting that Burton had died and that he was a juvenile detention officer.
His mother, Tee Burton, publicly addressed the reports, firmly correcting the information and asking people to stop sharing unverified claims.
She confirmed that her son is alive, safe and okay. She also emphasized that he is not a juvenile detention officer.
In her statement, she expressed disappointment over reports falsely identifying her son as one of the people who died in the collision.
She also acknowledged the families who lost loved ones and urged the public to show compassion toward everyone affected by the tragedy.
Her statement included the following message:
“My son is alive!!! He is safe, and he is okay!!!”
She further asked people to verify information before publishing or reposting details that could cause unnecessary emotional distress to families.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, a northbound Dodge Durango traveling on U.S. Highway 61 collided with a westbound Honda Accord traveling on Church Road.
Three occupants of the Honda were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake, Mississippi, the Honda driver.
- Eddie L. Dodson Jr., 41, of Byhalia, Mississippi.
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake, Mississippi.
Burton and another passenger in the Honda survived the collision but sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital. Their specific medical conditions have not been publicly detailed in the information provided.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two people involved in the crash were employees of its Juvenile Detention Center.
One of those employees was Tamenshia R. Ford, who died in the collision. The second employee was seriously injured.
Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II expressed condolences following the death of the employee, describing the person as a respected and beloved member of the department.
“Our fallen officer was a respected and beloved member of our team,” Tuggle said.
The sheriff’s office also recognized the employee’s dedication, compassion and commitment to working with young people entrusted to the facility’s care.
State officials confirmed that the Dodge Durango involved in the collision belonged to the Walls Police Department.
The city’s mayor and police chief also confirmed that a Walls police officer was involved in the crash. Burton’s mother has since clarified that her son is the officer and that he survived.
An SUV displaying Walls Police Department identification was seen being towed from the crash scene Wednesday night.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the fatal collision.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the vehicles colliding.
The crash resulted in three deaths and left multiple people injured. Burton’s family has asked the public to respect the victims and their loved ones while avoiding the spread of false information.
The investigation remains ongoing.