Lemetrius DeShawn Hollins, a 28-year-old male, was killed by gunfire on February 5, 2024, in Madison, Mississippi. His body was discovered inside a residence on Haley Creek after authorities received a tip from another jurisdiction. The information led them to Dawton Gage Whatley, 19, who had been taken into custody in Washington County, Mississippi, on unrelated charges. During his time in custody, Whatley disclosed that he had shot Hollins.
Investigators from Madison County traveled to Washington County and transported Whatley back for questioning. It was revealed that Hollins had served as a mentor and guardian to Whatley during his teenage years, and Whatley had been living with Hollins at the time of the shooting. Despite this close relationship, the precise motive for the murder remains unclear. Whatley admitted to shooting Hollins once on February 3, two days before his body was found.
Following the investigation, Dawton Gage Whatley was charged with murder. On June 7, 2024, he was indicted, and on June 24, 2024, he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. His sentencing was scheduled for July 16 of the same year. The rapid progression of the legal case was attributed to the strength of the investigation and the confession provided by Whatley.
