MEMPHIS, Tenn. – A Tunica, Mississippi man has been handed a 20-year prison sentence for the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old individual and is facing an additional murder charge in connection with a separate case. Quinterrance Vardaman was convicted after pleading guilty to manslaughter for the death of Trevon Bell, an incident that occurred at the Kirby States Apartments in Robinsonville on October 12, 2020.
Vardaman, as per authorities from the Tunica County Sheriff’s Office, is also implicated in the first-degree murder of 35-year-old Jimmy Dotson. This development comes alongside charges brought against four other individuals linked to Dotson’s shooting. Jesean French faces a first-degree murder charge, Robert Fleming with accessory after the fact to murder, Jameshia Brown with tampering with evidence, possession of a stolen firearm, and hindering prosecution, and Charlie Bass Jr. with possession of a stolen firearm. Indictments related to the murder charges for Dotson are currently under pursuit.
On July 3, 2023, dispatchers in Tunica, Mississippi received a distress call regarding an altercation at the Mexico Grill restaurant on US Highway 61 N. Subsequently, law enforcement reported that Jimmy Dotson was found shot at the scene, with his injuries proving fatal. Another individual was also shot and transported to Regional One Hospital in Memphis for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
The community in Tunica has been left reeling from the tragic events surrounding these shootings, prompting heightened awareness and concern for public safety. As investigations into these crimes continue, local authorities are working diligently to bring justice to the victims and their families. The impact of such violence echoes throughout the region, underscoring the importance of addressing issues of gun violence and community safety.