Crime
55-year-old Dantae Connor charged with voluntary manslaughter in fatal Shooting of Phillip Thomas at Red Dog Saloon
Jackson, TN — A shooting inside the Red Dog Saloon Bar and Grill on January 4, 2025, claimed the life of 32-year-old Phillip Dewayne Thomas.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. at the establishment located at 1450 South Highland Avenue.
Officers from the Jackson Police Department responded to reports of a shooting at the Red Dog Saloon.
Upon arrival, they discovered Mr. Thomas near the entrance of the establishment, suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite the prompt response of first responders and life-saving efforts, Mr. Thomas was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witness accounts from the scene provided a description of the suspect and his vehicle. A Be On the Lookout (BOLO) alert was issued to local and surrounding law enforcement agencies.
Shortly after, deputies in Crockett County conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle matching the description.
The driver, identified as 55-year-old Dantae Connor, was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Jackson Madison County Criminal Justice Complex.
Connor has been charged with voluntary manslaughter in connection with the shooting. He is currently being held in custody and is scheduled for a formal arraignment on Tuesday morning at Jackson City Court.
The Jackson Police Department extended its condolences to the family and loved ones of Phillip Dewayne Thomas.
“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and everyone impacted by this tragic event. We remain committed to ensuring justice is served,” the department said in a statement.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting remains ongoing. Authorities encourage anyone with additional information to contact the Jackson Police Department or the Crime Stoppers hotline.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. — A 23-year-old man from Riverton has died following a shooting at a rural property in Cherokee County, Kansas, and his 19-year-old brother has been booked into jail on a second-degree murder allegation, according to information released by authorities.
The victim was identified as Gannon Reece, 23, of Riverton, Kansas. The suspect was identified as Joshua Wilson, 19, also of Riverton, who is the victim’s brother.
According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail on suspicion of second-degree murder. Formal charges are expected to be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Authorities said the Cherokee County Emergency Communication Center received a 911 call on October 23, 2026, reporting that a person had been shot at 4971 SE 67th, in a rural area of Cherokee County.
Deputies were dispatched to the location to investigate the reported shooting.
When deputies arrived, they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Cherokee County Emergency Medical Services personnel examined the victim and determined that he had died.
The suspect, who authorities later identified as Joshua Wilson, was still at the scene when deputies arrived. Officers immediately detained him as the investigation began.
Authorities subsequently identified the deceased man as Gannon Reece and confirmed that Wilson was his younger brother.
Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail in connection with Reece’s death on suspicion of second-degree murder.
According to the information provided by authorities, formal charges will be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office. The available information does not specify whether prosecutors have formally filed the charges in court or whether Wilson has appeared before a judge.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the circumstances that led to the shooting.
No details have been released about what preceded the incident, whether an argument occurred, or what may have motivated the shooting. Authorities have not provided information about a possible firearm recovery or any other evidence beyond the initial circumstances described in the report.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation with assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Investigators are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding Reece’s death and gather evidence relevant to the case.
Authorities have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Officials also announced a temporary road closure affecting SE Lostine between Highway 69A and SE 60th.
Motorists were advised to use alternate routes until further notice while the closure remained in effect. The information provided did not specify when the roadway would reopen.
Drivers traveling through the area were encouraged to follow local traffic instructions and allow additional time for their journeys.
The fatal shooting has resulted in the death of a young Riverton resident and the arrest of his 19-year-old brother.
While authorities have identified both men and disclosed the booking allegation, several details remain unknown, including the events leading up to the shooting and the formal status of the prosecution.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and Cherokee County Attorney’s Office are continuing to investigate.
Joshua Wilson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.