Crime
Victims Identified in Accurate Energetic Systems Explosion
UPDATE: All 16 people inside the building that exploded at Accurate Energetic Systems Oct. 10 are dead, Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said at an Oct. 11 press conference.
The Humphreys and Hickman County sheriffs today released the names of those who are presumed deceased as a result of the devastating explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems on Friday:
- Jason Adams
- Erick Anderson
- Billy Baker,
- Adam Boatman
- Christopher Clark
- Mindy Clifton,
- James Cook
- Reyna Gillahan
- LaTeisha Mays,
- Jeremy Moore
- Melinda Rainey
- Melissa Stanford,
- Trenton Stewart
- Rachel Woodall
- Steven Wright
- Donald Yowell
The sheriff, during often emotional press briefings outside the AES facility gates, said the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was working the site of the explosion to conduct DNA testing to confirm the identities of those who died.
TENNESSEE — State officials have provided an update on the ongoing investigation into Friday’s catastrophic explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) in rural Hickman County, confirming a slight improvement in the situation as the number of individuals unaccounted for has decreased from 18 to 16.
Authorities said two workers previously believed to have been at the facility during the blast were confirmed to be off-site at the time of the explosion.
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville remains at Level 4 – Elevated, coordinating efforts with local, state, and federal agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which has deployed its elite National Response Team to assist in determining the cause of the explosion.
Officials said controlled detonations will continue periodically in order to safely dispose of unstable materials at the site.
Residents will receive at least 30 minutes’ advance notice via official social media channels before each detonation. Authorities continue to emphasize that there is no current threat to public safety, though the area remains restricted to authorized personnel.
A Family Assistance Center remains open to support affected families, and officials encouraged anyone experiencing emotional distress to call or text 988 for immediate mental health assistance.
During a press briefing Saturday, Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said that more than 300 investigators and emergency personnel have meticulously combed through nearly every part of the blast site but have found no survivors.
“I can tell you that over 300 people have been through almost every square inch of this facility, and at this time, we’ve recovered no survivors,” Davis said, visibly emotional. “It’s even more devastating than what we initially thought. Truly heartbreaking — a tremendous loss for this community.”
The explosion, which occurred shortly before 8 a.m. Friday, destroyed a large portion of the AES manufacturing campus near Bucksnort, about 50 miles west of Nashville. The facility produces military, aerospace, oil, and commercial demolition explosives, operating across a sprawling 1,300-acre site that includes eight production and testing buildings.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is assisting with victim identification, utilizing rapid DNA testing due to the severe conditions of the remains recovered so far. Sheriff Davis said investigators are treating the site as a potential crime scene until all possibilities—including foul play—can be ruled out.
“Can I say we’re going to rule out foul play? We can’t answer that yet,” Davis said. “That might be days, weeks, or even months before we can.”
The ATF’s National Response Team, composed of explosives specialists, bomb technicians, chemists, engineers, and fire investigators, arrived on site Saturday.
The team has previously handled major national cases, including the Oklahoma City bombing, the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, and the 9/11 Pentagon attack. Their primary mission is to determine the origin and cause of the explosion, using advanced forensic analysis and scene reconstruction.
“So right now, our bomb technicians and explosive specialists are working methodically to make the area safe,” said ATF Supervisory Special Agent Guy McCormick. “Once that is complete, our National Response Team can begin their full investigation.”
Among those confirmed missing or deceased are Trent Stewart, Melissa Dawn Stanford, Chris Clark, Reyna Gillahan, Erick and Jeremy Moore.
Moore’s mother, Ava Hinson, said her son had been working in Building 602, the structure believed to have been completely destroyed in the explosion.
“The last I heard from him, he had just dropped off his daughter and was headed to work,” Hinson said tearfully. “It’s unbelievable — the not knowing. I don’t want bad news, but at this point, I’d almost feel better if I just knew.”
In a heartfelt statement, The Log Church, where Pastor Trent Stewart served as minister, announced changes to its Sunday services in light of his disappearance:
“One of the missing following yesterday’s explosion at AES is our pastor, Trent Stewart. Because of this, we are canceling Sunday School and worship. In their place, we will gather for a time of prayer in the sanctuary at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome to join us.”
The church invited members of the community to come together in faith and solidarity, adding:
“Our motto has always been ‘come as you are.’ Tomorrow, that includes bringing your hurts, your grief, and your brokenness to the feet of Jesus.”
Accurate Energetic Systems released a public statement expressing condolences to the victims’ families and gratitude to emergency personnel:
“At approximately 7:45 a.m. this morning, there was a tragic accident at our facility. Emergency response teams and investigative agencies remain on scene, and the situation is under active investigation.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, coworkers, and community members affected by this incident. We extend our gratitude to all first responders who continue to work tirelessly under difficult conditions. We will provide updates as more verified information becomes available.”
Rescuers were initially forced to delay their search due to dangerous conditions, including burning debris and the risk of secondary explosions. Those hazards have since been contained, and officials now describe the site as secure but unstable.
Sheriff Davis reiterated that the investigation will be lengthy and complex, citing the extent of the devastation and the hazardous nature of the materials involved.
“This is going to take time,” he said. “We’re committed to finding answers for the families and ensuring something like this never happens again.”
Officials have stressed that public safety remains a top priority as recovery and investigative operations continue over the coming days.
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.