A manhunt is underway in Tennessee for an 18-year-old accused of opening fire at a park where prom attendees had gathered for photographs, resulting in the death of a teenage girl and injuries to several others, authorities have confirmed.
Charges Filed in Fatal Shooting
Dequarius Lax, known as “DQ,” from Brownsville, Tennessee, has been indicted on 22 counts, including first-degree murder, in connection with the mass shooting at Webb F. Banks Passive Park on May 8. The incident claimed the life of 17-year-old Saturah Hayes, who was fatally shot during the pre-prom gathering for Haywood High School. Lax also faces six counts of attempted first-degree murder for allegedly wounding six other individuals.
Authorities Seek Public Assistance
The U.S. Marshals Service is leading efforts to apprehend Lax, who is considered armed and dangerous. In a press release, law enforcement urged the public to provide any information regarding his whereabouts. “We are requesting the public’s help with bringing Lax into custody. If you know of his whereabouts, we encourage you to contact law enforcement,” the statement read. Officials warned that anyone harboring or assisting Lax will face prosecution.
Lax is described as approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing around 130 pounds. Tips can be directed to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Brownsville Police Department, or anonymously via 1-800-TBI-FIND.
Victim’s Mother Pleads for Justice
During a press conference following the shooting, Hayes’ mother made an emotional plea for witnesses to come forward. “She didn’t even make it to her boyfriend to take pictures. She was shot down. She only took one picture with her friends,” she said, according to WREG. “I just want justice for my baby. All she was doing was being a kid.” She added, “I just want to plead to the community for somebody to say something. It was way too many of you out there to not know who shot and killed my baby. Please, please, please. I’m begging y’all. If you don’t do it for nobody else, do it for Saturah.”
