Local News
Victims killed in Marion County crash identified
Authorities in Marion County are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred early Wednesday morning, leaving two young people dead and another seriously injured.
According to Kevin Williams, deputies were initially dispatched around 2:00 a.m. to a report of teenagers gathering and drinking at a location locally known as the “gravel pit” along County Road 36, also referred to as Jasper Hill.
While responding to the call, deputies observed a silver Toyota 4Runner traveling at a high rate of speed through the area.
Skylar Handley, Chief of the Brilliant Police Department, stated that deputies activated their emergency lights but did not initiate a pursuit. Shortly afterward, officers lost sight of the vehicle while continuing to patrol the area.
A short time later, deputies located the same vehicle involved in a single-vehicle crash nearby.
Authorities confirmed that three occupants were inside the SUV at the time of the crash, and all were ejected upon impact.
Two individuals, identified as 17-year-old Braden Canterberry, a senior at Brilliant High School, and 20-year-old Braxton Canterberry, were pronounced dead at the scene.
An 18-year-old occupant sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to UAB Hospital for emergency treatment.
The circumstances leading to the crash remain under investigation.
Officials and community members have described the loss as deeply personal. Chief Handley noted that all three individuals were known within the community and spoke of the profound impact on local families and schools.
In a statement, Brilliant Schools expressed sorrow over the tragedy, extending condolences to the families, friends, classmates, and educators affected by the loss.
School officials announced that classes will remain in session to provide a supportive environment, with counselors and additional resources available to assist students and staff during the grieving process.
Friends and family members gathered at the crash site later in the day to honor the victims and support one another as the community continues to process the devastating incident.
Authorities have not released further details as the investigation remains ongoing.
Local News
Three Killed in Highway 61 Crash Near Walls, Mississippi; Victims Identified as Latasha Dodson, Eddie Dodson, and Tamenshia Ford
WALLS, Mississippi — Three people were killed in a serious collision Wednesday evening near U.S. Highway 61 and Church Road in Walls, leaving multiple families grieving and a community mourning the sudden loss of their loved ones.
According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 8:04 p.m. and involved a 2021 Honda Accord and another vehicle driven by 27-year-old Da’Quarius M. Burton of Memphis, Tennessee.
Authorities identified the three people who died inside the Honda Accord as:
- Latasha N. Dodson, 37, of Horn Lake
- Eddie L. Dodson, 41, of Byhalia
- Tamenshia R. Ford, 32, of Horn Lake
All three victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash also left two people injured. Da’Quarius M. Burton, who was driving the other vehicle, survived the collision, as did a fourth occupant of the Honda Accord whose identity has not yet been released.
Both survivors were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Officials have not provided an update on their conditions.
The circumstances leading up to the collision remain under investigation by the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
The tragedy has also deeply affected local law enforcement and public service communities. The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that one of its juvenile detention officers was among those who died in the crash. Another employee was seriously injured.
In a statement, the Sheriff’s Office remembered its fallen employee as a respected and beloved member of the team who demonstrated kindness, compassion, and dedication to the young people entrusted to their care.
The department also recognized the lasting difference the employee made through their work and the positive influence they had on others.
Officials have not publicly identified which of the three victims worked for the Sheriff’s Office.
The Walls Police Department also confirmed that one of its patrol officers was involved in the collision. However, the department has not clarified the officer’s condition or released additional information about the circumstances surrounding their involvement.
The crash has therefore brought grief and concern to several public safety agencies, including the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office and the Walls Police Department.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the crash near Highway 61 and Church Road. Authorities have not released a determination about what caused the vehicles to collide.
Further information may become available as investigators review the circumstances of the incident and complete their work.
The deaths of Latasha N. Dodson, Eddie L. Dodson, and Tamenshia R. Ford represent an enormous loss for their families, friends, and everyone who knew them.
Three individuals from different communities have now been lost in a single devastating incident. Their loved ones are left to face the difficult days ahead while holding on to the memories they shared.
The loss has also been felt by colleagues and members of the local public safety community, particularly those mourning the juvenile detention officer remembered for compassion and dedication to young people.
During this painful time, thoughts are with the families of all three victims, the injured survivors, and the employees of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office and Walls Police Department.
May Latasha N. Dodson, Eddie L. Dodson, and Tamenshia R. Ford rest in peace.