Crime
Five-Year-Old Carson Lawson Fatally Struck by Grandmother Allegedly Driving Under the Influence in Slidell
SLIDELL, La. — A tragic accident in Slidell has left a family and community devastated after a 5-year-old boy was fatally struck by a vehicle driven by his grandmother early Tuesday morning.
The child, identified as Carson Lawson, was standing in his driveway around 7:00 a.m. waiting for his school bus when he was struck by a 2016 GMC Yukon that was backing out of the driveway in the 300 block of Spartan Loop in the Spartan Trace subdivision.
According to the Slidell Police Department, the driver — 55-year-old Kristen Anders of Slidell — showed visible signs of impairment and was later determined to be under the influence of alcohol and central nervous system depressants at the time of the crash.
Anders was taken into custody at the scene and has been charged with vehicular homicide.
Slidell Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau described the incident as profoundly heartbreaking.
“This is any parent’s worst nightmare,” Chief Seuzeneau said. “I was at the scene myself, as were many of our officers, and this has affected all of us deeply — especially the first responders who witnessed the tragedy.”
Chief Seuzeneau stated that he spoke directly with Carson’s mother multiple times throughout the day to offer support and condolences.
“There isn’t anything I can say to make this situation better,” he continued. “All we can do now is pray for peace and healing for this family. Go home and hug your children or grandchildren a little tighter tonight. Life is precious, and tragedy can strike without warning.”
Family members have since shared emotional messages online honoring Carson’s memory.
Loved ones describe him as a joyful, kindhearted child who was excited about school and deeply loved by his family.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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.