Two dead in Memphis after pursuit started in DeSoto County

What started as a chase with law enforcement in DeSoto County ended in Memphis with a crash that killed two people.  

The victims were not immediately identified, but the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department said deputies began a chase about 3:30 a.m. Thursday morning.  

According to the Sheriff’s Department, a deputy on patrol observed a white Nissan Maxima in the area of Highway 61 and Starlanding Road occupied by two men wearing ski masks.

“The deputy stopped the vehicle and attempted to make contact with the occupants,” the Sheriff’s Department said in a statement. “The vehicle fled north on Highway 61 and the deputy pursued. Dispatch advised that the vehicle returned as stolen out of Memphis. Deputies terminated the pursuit at Highway 61 and Stateline Rd. The vehicle was last seen traveling north on Highway 61 into Memphis.”

It was later reported the vehicle crashed near South Third Street and Holmes Road, killing the two victims at the scene.