Crime
Austin Neighborhood Stabbing: 20-year-old Kimari Tousant charged with the murder of Jessica Flagg
She is currently being held without bond and is scheduled for a detention hearing at 2600 S. California on December 29, 2024.
The Chicago Police Department has charged 20-year-old Kimari Tousant, a resident of the 5300 block of W. Chicago Avenue, with the first-degree murder of Jessica Hendricks.
Tousant is also facing a felony count of murder with a strong probability of causing death or injury.
The charges stem from a fatal stabbing incident that occurred in the early hours of December 27, 2024, in the 5300 block of W. Chicago Avenue, located in the Austin neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side.
According to investigators, the fatal confrontation began at approximately 12:15 a.m. when Jessica Hendricks, 20, approached Kimari Tousant outside a residence.
Preliminary reports indicate that a verbal exchange escalated into a physical altercation during which both women sustained injuries inflicted by a sharp object.
Hendricks was transported to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead as a result of her injuries. Tousant, who sustained multiple lacerations to her arm, was treated at West Suburban Hospital and subsequently taken into police custody.
Tousant was arrested at approximately 3:14 a.m. on December 27, 2024, at a location near the site of the incident.
She was formally charged with:
- One (1) felony count of Murder – First Degree
- One (1) felony count of Murder – Strong Probability of Death/Injury
She is currently being held without bond and is scheduled for a detention hearing at 2600 S. California on December 29, 2024.
Area Four detectives are leading the investigation, working to determine the motive and uncover additional details surrounding the fatal altercation. Authorities have not yet disclosed any further information regarding the events that led to the confrontation.
The Chicago Police Department encourages anyone with information about this incident to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 1-888-LOCK-U-UP, using the P3 Tips mobile application, or visiting P3tips.com.
This tragic incident highlights the need for community vigilance and cooperation in ensuring the safety of all residents. The investigation remains ongoing, and further updates will be shared as they become available.
The Chicago Police Department extends its condolences to the family of Jessica Hendricks and reaffirms its commitment to delivering justice. Community members are urged to assist in any way possible as detectives work diligently to resolve this case.
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.