Crime
Ezekiel Almazan killed in Amarillo Apartment Mass Shooting
AMARILLO, Texas — Authorities have identified one of the victims killed in a mass shooting at a West Amarillo apartment complex early Sunday morning, as investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the violence that left two people dead and eight others injured.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:00 a.m. at the Westminster Apartments, located at 2415 Coulter Street near Westgate Parkway.
Amarillo police responded to multiple reports of gunfire and arrived to find a chaotic scene with numerous injured victims.
One victim, identified as Ezekiel Rudy Almazan, was among those killed in the shooting.
Police confirmed that one individual was pronounced dead at the scene, while a second victim later died after being transported to a local hospital.
In total, nine individuals were taken to area hospitals for treatment, with at least five reported to be in critical condition at the time of initial response.
According to preliminary findings from the Amarillo Police Department, the violence appears to have stemmed from an earlier gathering.
Investigators say a group of juveniles and young adults had been attending a party at a different location before relocating to the Westminster Apartments.
Authorities believe that several individuals who had been asked to leave the original gathering later followed others to the apartment complex.
Upon arrival, they allegedly attempted to force entry into an apartment unit and opened fire using what police described as a “rifle-style weapon.”
Residents in the surrounding area described the gunfire as intense and prolonged. One nearby resident reported being awakened by what sounded like “machine-gun fire,” followed by dozens of additional shots.
Police have not yet released information regarding suspects, arrests, or a confirmed motive.
The investigation remains active as detectives continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
This latest incident adds to growing concerns about gun violence in Amarillo.
The shooting comes less than six weeks after a series of violent incidents on March 22, during which six people were killed and 10 others injured in multiple shootings across the city.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the Westminster Apartments shooting to come forward as they work to identify those responsible and prevent further violence.
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.