Crime
Victims killed in shooting on Spirit Lake Reservation identified, suspect in custody
St. Michael, ND – The Spirit Lake Tribe is grieving the loss of three community members following a fatal shooting that occurred Tuesday morning in St. Michael.
At approximately 9:30 a.m., the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) law enforcement notified the Spirit Lake Tribe of the tragic incident.
The victims have been identified as Kristy Lee, her daughter Tiana Lenoir, and infant Lokia, all members of the Spirit Lake Tribe.
In response to the active threat, law enforcement issued a shelter-in-place order for all residents within the Spirit Lake Reservation boundaries, including the districts of St. Michael, Fort Totten, Crow Hill, and Wood Lake.
Authorities conducted an extensive search for the suspect, who was considered armed and dangerous.
At approximately 1:20 p.m., law enforcement successfully apprehended the suspect, and the shelter-in-place order was lifted.
The Spirit Lake Tribal Council has since issued administrative leave for all tribal employees to allow the community time to grieve.
“As we navigate this difficult time, we ask for the community’s empathy and understanding. Our hearts go out to the victims’ families, and we encourage everyone to keep them in your thoughts and prayers as we mourn this devastating loss together. We also ask that the privacy of the victims’ families be respected as investigations continue.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the law enforcement agencies for their swift response and ongoing efforts in handling this situation.”
The Spirit Lake Tribe urges all tribal citizens to prioritize their mental health and well-being during this difficult time.
Grief counseling and support services are available through Spirit Lake Behavioral Health for those in need.
For assistance, please contact Spirit Lake Behavioral Health at the designated support lines.
No one should face this loss alone—help is available.
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.