On December 4, 2023, at approximately 10:02 a.m., Ellis County Sheriff's deputies responded to a call in the 1000 block of Vinson Lane in Red Oak, Texas, where they discovered 54-year-old Jess Deon Dotson unresponsive in his front yard. Dotson was pronounced dead at the scene, with deputies noting significant blood pooling and apparent gunshot wounds.
Following witness interviews, investigators identified 33-year-old Yaralitza Dee Shaw, an acquaintance of Dotson, as a person of interest. Law enforcement located Shaw in Coppell, Texas, where she confessed to the murder during questioning. She was subsequently arrested and charged with murder, with her bond set at $500,000.
Dotson's passing was marked by his family and community. Born on September 21, 1969, in Dallas, Texas, he had a diverse upbringing across various Texas cities and attended school in DeSoto. Professionally, Dotson worked for Binswanger Glass Company and later for Renfro Glass. He was known for his outgoing nature and willingness to assist others, with hobbies that included working on his Mustang race car and spending time with his uncle Vic. He is survived by his mother, Sandra Dotson, and grandmother, Magdalene Gajdica, both of Kemp, Texas, along with numerous extended family members and friends. Funeral services were held on December 10 and 11, 2023, in Ferris, Texas.
