Crime
Victim killed in shooting at Pascagoula Ingalls Shipbuilding identified as Tahj Johnson
PASCAGOULA, Miss. – Authorities have identified the victim in Friday morning’s fatal workplace shooting at Ingalls Shipbuilding as Tahj Johnson, an employee of the Pascagoula shipyard.
According to Pascagoula Police Chief Terry Scott, the shooting occurred around 7:30 a.m. on August 22, 2025, aboard a vessel that was under construction at the facility. Johnson was fatally shot during the incident, which prompted an immediate lockdown of the shipyard.
The suspected gunman, identified as 25-year-old Curtis James Jr. of Mobile, Alabama, was taken into custody shortly after the shooting.
Police confirmed that both Johnson and James were Ingalls employees.
Chief Scott stated that investigators believe the incident may have stemmed from an earlier altercation between the two men earlier in the week.
The firearm used in the shooting has not yet been recovered.
No additional injuries were reported.
An Ingalls Shipbuilding spokesperson confirmed that an “active shooter” situation was declared and all personnel were instructed to shelter in place until the scene was secured.
Employees were later released from duty for the remainder of the day, with pay. Grief counseling services are being made available to staff.
Law enforcement agencies from across Jackson County responded to assist Pascagoula Police in securing the shipyard.
Officials asked the public to avoid the area while first responders worked to contain the situation.
While rumors have circulated regarding possible related incidents outside the shipyard, police have not confirmed any connection beyond the workplace shooting.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Ingalls Shipbuilding, a division of HII (Huntington Ingalls Industries), is the largest manufacturing employer in Mississippi and a primary supplier of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard vessels.
Pascagoula, the seat of Jackson County, has a population of approximately 22,000 residents.
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.