Crime
Four Charged in Connection to Spotsylvania County Mass Shooting, Victims Identified
SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VA – The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office has provided significant updates in connection with the fatal shooting that occurred in the Olde Greenwich Circle area earlier this week, resulting in three deaths and multiple injuries.
As of this morning, four individuals have been charged with the following offenses:
- Malicious Wounding
- Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony
- Unlawful Assembly
The suspects include:
- Two 16-year-old juveniles
- One 17-year-old juvenile
- 18-year-old Jeremiah Upson (photograph attached)
One of the 16-year-olds remains hospitalized due to a gunshot wound sustained during the incident.
The other three suspects are currently incarcerated without bond. The hospitalized suspect will be taken into custody upon release.
Authorities confirmed that two of the suspects reside in Spotsylvania County, while the other two are residents of Caroline County.
The three deceased individuals have been identified as:
- Chase Feaster, 18, of Spotsylvania County
- Alonzo Goffney, 18, of Spotsylvania County
- A 20-year-old male, whose identity is being withheld pending official confirmation from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
The investigation has revealed that the tragic incident stemmed from an illegal firearm transaction that escalated into a robbery and fatal exchange of gunfire.
The shooting took place on the evening of Tuesday, April 8, at approximately 5:30 p.m., when the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office received reports of gunfire in the Olde Greenwich Circle area.
Deputies arriving at the scene discovered multiple gunshot victims, including the three now confirmed deceased.
Three additional individuals were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
The situation prompted a large-scale law enforcement and emergency response operation. The area was secured and cleared while investigators worked around the clock to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and identify those involved.
Authorities describe this as a complex and ongoing investigation. Further details, including the origin of the firearm involved and the potential presence of additional parties, remain under active review.
The Sheriff’s Office expressed its appreciation to the Fredericksburg Police Department and the Virginia State Police for their collaboration throughout the investigation.
Special acknowledgment was given to the community, whose patience and support proved critical during what officials have called a stressful and heartbreaking several days.
The Sheriff’s Office will release additional updates as they become available.
Anyone with further information is urged to contact the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office.
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.