What should have been a feel-good pre-prom photo shoot in Brownsville has turned into a manhunt. Law enforcement agencies are offering a combined $7,500 reward for information leading to the arrest of 18-year-old Dequarius “DQ” Lax, who is wanted in connection with a pre-prom shooting that killed a Haywood High School student at Webb F. Banks Passive Park on May 8. The search has rattled the tight-knit West Tennessee community and sparked vigils, outreach, and a steady stream of tips as investigators work the case.
Who Is Putting Up the Reward
The U.S. Marshals Service has put up $5,000, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has added $2,500, for a total of $7,500 in reward money, according to FOX13 Memphis. Officials say the money is aimed squarely at encouraging tips that lead to Lax’s location and safe arrest.
Charges and Indictment
On May 19, a Haywood County grand jury returned a 22-count indictment against Lax, including one count of first-degree murder and six counts of attempted first-degree murder, local prosecutors said. Lax is described as about 5'7" and 130 pounds and has been labeled “armed and dangerous” as authorities continue searching for him, per WBBJ.
What Happened at Webb F. Banks Park
Investigators say gunfire broke out the evening of May 8 while students were gathered at Webb F. Banks Passive Park to take pre-prom photos. Seventeen-year-old Saturah Hayes was fatally shot, and several others were wounded, according to local coverage. In the aftermath, Haywood County Schools canceled classes to give students and families time to grieve, and town leaders have publicly urged witnesses to come forward, per Action News 5.
How to Reach Investigators
Anyone with information is asked to call the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation tip line at 1-800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463) or contact the Office of the District Attorney General for the 28th Judicial District. Investigators have also listed direct contact information for Investigator Jimmy Wilson: [email protected] and 731-855-7813, according to reporting from WBBJ.
Community in Mourning
Friends, classmates, and local officials have described Hayes as a bright, well-liked student, and her mother has publicly pleaded with anyone who knows what happened to speak up, according to The Independent. Community members have organized memorials and vigils across Brownsville as officials emphasize how crucial even small pieces of information could be to the investigation.
What Happens Next in the Case
Prosecutors say the grand jury heard enough evidence to support the 22-count indictment and have warned that anyone who harbors or helps Lax will face criminal charges. Once located, Lax will be taken into custody to face arraignment and prosecution, officials and national outlets reporting on the case have said, per People.
