Crime
Pregnant Shelby Amidon killed in murder-suicide by stalker Ricky Beck at home on Beaver Trail
WARRIOR, Ala. — Authorities have identified the victim in a tragic domestic violence-related murder-suicide that unfolded Thursday morning at a residence on Beaver Trail.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the victim was Shelby Amidon, a 29-year-old woman from Warrior who was pregnant with her second child at the time of her death.
Deputies responded to the home at approximately 8:30 a.m. on March 19 following reports of a domestic disturbance.
Upon arrival, they discovered Amidon deceased inside the residence, having suffered fatal gunshot wounds.
Investigators identified the suspect as Ricky O’Neil Beck Jr., 43, also of Warrior. Authorities said Beck fled the scene in a vehicle as a Blount County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrived.
During the encounter, Beck allegedly struck the deputy’s patrol vehicle and displayed a firearm, prompting the deputy to discharge his weapon.
Beck then continued to flee, initiating a manhunt in the area surrounding Mountain Lake Road near Beaver Trail and Alabama State Route 160.
The search concluded when Beck was located in a wooded area with what authorities described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Amidon, described by family and friends as a devoted mother, is survived by her husband, Nick Amidon, and their young son, Cayson Amidon.
A fundraiser established to support the family has raised more than $12,000 to assist with funeral and memorial expenses, as well as to provide future financial support for her son.
The campaign describes Amidon as “a beautiful soul who brought love, warmth, and light to those around her.”
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency State Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation into the officer-involved aspects of the case.
Upon completion, findings will be submitted to the Blount County District Attorney for review.
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.