Crime
Body of missing Rodrigo Montes found in river, suspect in custody
LAKE STATION, Ind. — Authorities have confirmed the recovery of Rodrigo “Rico” Montes, an 18-year-old whose body was discovered Thursday morning in Deep River, several days after a crash that prompted an extensive search.
According to the Lake Station Fire Department, Montes was located approximately 50 feet from where a submerged truck had been recovered earlier in the week near the intersection of 27th Avenue and Wyoming.
The vehicle, believed to have been driven by another individual of similar age, was found early Monday morning after reports of the incident.
Police have confirmed that a suspect is now in custody in connection with the case; however, authorities have not yet released additional details regarding the arrest or potential charges as the investigation remains ongoing.
Family members stated that Montes had been attending a cookout at a nearby residence on Sunday evening and was expected to return home by 11:00 p.m. When he failed to arrive, concern quickly escalated.
His brother, Moises Montes, said the family contacted police shortly after midnight and began calling local hospitals in an effort to locate him.
According to the family, the driver of the truck—accompanied by their own parents—arrived at the Montes family home at approximately 4:45 a.m. Monday. Relatives said the individual appeared disoriented and claimed not to know Montes’ whereabouts following the crash. The driver was subsequently taken for a mental health evaluation.
Montes was a senior at River Forest High School, where he was an active member of the wrestling team. Family members described him as a kind and compassionate young man with strong aspirations for the future.
His brother shared that Montes had recently been exploring career paths after graduation, including opportunities in construction management and skilled trades.
“He always looked out for others,” his brother said, reflecting on his character. “If the situation had been reversed, I don’t believe he would have left a friend behind.”
The circumstances surrounding the crash and the events that followed remain under active investigation as authorities work to determine what led to Montes’ death.
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.