In a case that sounds like the plot of a horror film, a Memphis man who called himself a “serial killer” will now spend the rest of his life behind bars. Joshua Dotson, 25, received a 261-year prison sentence for the murders of four people—including his pregnant girlfriend. His crimes shook Tennessee and left four families mourning.
The First Killing That Shocked a City
Dotson’s reign of terror began on November 19, 2019, when Divieon Parker was found shot to death. Authorities responded to the crime scene and started an investigation, unaware that this would become the first in a series of brutal slayings.
Two More Victims, Same Cold-Blooded Killer
On May 24, 2020, police discovered the lifeless bodies of Renita Bennett and Reginald Anderson. Both were shot in cold blood, continuing the violent spree that had already taken one life.
Law enforcement quickly linked these murders to Dotson, building a case that exposed a chilling pattern of violence.
Girlfriend and Unborn Child Gunned Down
Dotson’s final known victim was his own girlfriend, 19-year-old Jamesha Covson. She was also pregnant at the time. On June 12, 2020, the couple argued outside a home on Quinn Avenue in Memphis. That argument escalated quickly, ending when Dotson pulled a gun and shot her.
Despite emergency responders rushing her to the hospital, both Covson and her unborn child died from their injuries. The community was horrified, especially after learning about Dotson’s violent past.
Disturbing Courtroom Confession
After the murder of Covson, Dotson fled Memphis. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agents later arrested him in Nashville. In court, he shocked everyone with a dark admission. He called himself a “serial killer” and compared himself to Michael Myers, the fictional slasher villain from the Halloween movies.
His words made headlines and disturbed the families of his victims. It was a glimpse into the twisted mind of a man responsible for four senseless murders.
The Sentence: 261 Years Without Parole
Dotson initially received a 102-year sentence for murdering his girlfriend. However, on February 14, the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that he would serve an additional 159 years for the other three killings.
Prosecutor Regina Lucreziano expressed relief at the outcome:
“After five years, we are pleased to finally have justice for Dotson’s multiple victims. His sentences, both from the guilty verdict after a trial and these two pleas today, amount to 261 years in prison. While no amount of time in prison will bring the victims back to their loved ones, we are content that he will never be a threat to our community again.”
A Community Finds Closure
Although the wounds from these murders may never fully heal, the sentencing offers a measure of closure. Dotson’s rampage ended lives and shattered families. But with this lengthy prison term, he will never walk free again.
The sentence ensures that his fantasies of terror will remain confined to the past, as he lives out his remaining days in a cell.
A Tragic Reminder of Domestic and Gun Violence
Jamesha Covson’s murder also underscores the dangers faced by young women in abusive relationships, particularly when firearms are involved. Her story has fueled calls for stronger protections for victims of domestic violence and stricter gun control laws for violent offenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Joshua Dotson?
A 25-year-old Memphis man who called himself a “serial killer” and was convicted of four murders.
Who were his victims?
Divieon Parker, Renita Bennett, Reginald Anderson, and his pregnant girlfriend, Jamesha Covson.
Why did Dotson compare himself to Michael Myers?
In court, he made the chilling comparison to highlight his lack of remorse and to portray himself as unstoppable.
How was he arrested?
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation officers captured Dotson in Nashville after he fled the scene of the final murder.
What was his sentence?
He was sentenced to 261 years in prison—102 years for Covson’s murder and 159 years for the three others.
Will he ever be released?
No. His sentence effectively ensures he will die in prison.