Crime
48-year-old Christopher Keith killed in Sylacauga shooting
SYLACAUGA, Ala. — The Sylacauga Police Department is actively investigating a Sunday night shooting that left one man dead and another injured in what authorities describe as a violent incident involving multiple gunshots.
According to Lt. Willis Whatley, officers responded to the area of East 5th Street near North Louisville Avenue on May 11, 2025, after receiving reports of numerous shots fired.
Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple shell casings scattered in the roadway, confirming that gunfire had occurred.
While processing the initial scene, Central Dispatch notified officers of two individuals reportedly suffering from gunshot wounds nearby on Curran Street.
Responding officers quickly located a vehicle containing both victims.
They immediately rendered aid with assistance from the Talladega County Sheriff’s Office until Sylacauga Ambulance Service arrived.
The victims were transported to Coosa Valley Medical Center for emergency care.
One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was stabilized, while the second victim, later identified as Christopher Cornell Keith, 48, of Childersburg, was transferred to UAB Medical Center in Birmingham in critical condition. Sadly, Keith succumbed to his injuries on Monday, May 12, 2025.
The Sylacauga Police Department and the Talladega County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
At this time, no suspect information has been released, and investigators are working to determine a motive.
Authorities urge anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to contact the Sylacauga Police Department Investigation Division at 256-391-4390, the SPD tip line at 256-249-4716, or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 1-833-251-7867. Anonymous tips are welcome and may be eligible for a cash reward.
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.