WALLS, Miss. — Three people are dead following a crash Wednesday night, November 4, 2026, on U.S. Highway 61 in Walls, including an officer of the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile Detention Center.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the investigation. MHP reports that three victims total perished in the crash.
According to MHP, the crash happened around 8:04 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 61 and Church Road. MHP says a 27-year-old driver identified as Da’Quarius M. Burton, of Memphis, collided with a 2021 Honda Accord.
Three occupants of the Accord were pronounced dead at the scene. Burton and a fourth, unidentified passenger of the Accord survived and were rushed to a hospital for treatment.
The deceased have been identified as 37-year-old Latasha N. Dodson of Horn Lake, 41-year-old Eddie L. Dodson of Byhalia, and 32-year-old Tamenshia R. Ford of Horn Lake.
Though MHP named the deceased victims, officials have not specified their employment with either law enforcement agency.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office says one juvenile detention officer died and another was seriously wounded. The Walls Police Department says one of its patrol officers was also involved in the crash, but did not confirm his condition.
“Our fallen officer was a respected and beloved member of our team,” the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a release. “They distinguished themselves through kindness, compassion, and dedication to the young people entrusted to our care. Their work made a difference, and their influence reached beyond the walls of our facility.”
The crash prompted a large emergency and police response Wednesday night. The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department reported all lanes of travel in the area of Goodman Road and Poplar Corner in Walls were closed due to the crash.
Walls Mayor Keidron N. Henderson released the following official statement:
“Our community is deeply saddened by the tragic vehicle crash involving one of our patrol officers and a civilian vehicle. Our foremost concern is for the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives. We extend our deepest condolences and compassion to them during this unimaginable time. We are also keeping the officer involved and his family in our thoughts and prayers as we all navigate through this devastating incident. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation. We will respect that process and avoid speculation while investigators work to determine what occurred. This is a painful time for our entire community, and we ask that the privacy of the victims’ families and the officer’s family be respected.”
— Mayor Keidron N. Henderson, Town of Walls, Mississippi
Our thoughts and prayers remain with everyone affected by this tragedy.
