Crime
Victims Killed in Shooting Outside Louisville Driver’s Licensing Office Identified
Louisville, KY – A tragic shooting outside a Driver Licensing Regional Office in Valley Station left three people dead Friday afternoon.
According to the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD), officers responded to reports of gunfire around noon at the facility, located on Dixie Highway just north of Interstate 265.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a male victim deceased at the scene.
Two female victims, suffering from critical gunshot wounds, were transported to UofL Hospital in downtown Louisville, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office has identified the victims as:
- 29-year-old Raysa Pacios Valdes
- 33-year-old Antwanette Chillers
- 18-year-old Leslye Harbin Jr.
During a press briefing, LMPD Major Donald Boeckman expressed his concern over the shooting, stating, “I’m surprised there were not more people injured, because many people were standing outside. But as far as any details into what occurred, I just can’t speak to them right now.”
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear addressed the tragedy on social media, condemning what he called a “senseless act of violence.”
He also extended his gratitude to law enforcement officers for their swift response and urged prayers for the victims’ families.
LMPD’s Homicide Unit is actively investigating the incident. No arrests have been made, and authorities have not yet released details regarding potential suspects.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet issued the following statement in response to the shooting:
“We are thankful that all our employees are safe, and our hearts go out to the victims of this tragic incident. We remain focused on the safety of both our customers and employees. Security was present at the time of the incident, and the building was immediately locked down. Employees have been dismissed, and the office will remain closed for the rest of the day. We are fully cooperating with the Louisville Metro Police Department in their investigation and have no further details at this time.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact LMPD’s anonymous Crime Tip Line at 502-574-LMPD (5673) or submit a tip through the anonymous Crime Tip Portal.
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.