A manhunt is underway in Tennessee for an “armed and dangerous” teenager who allegedly opened fire at a park as prom goers had gathered to take pictures, killing a teen girl and injuring several others, authorities say.
Dequarius “DQ” Lax, 18, of Brownsville, was indicted this week on 22 counts in connection, including first-degree murder, in the death of 17-year-old Saturah Hayes, who was gunned down during the mass shooting at Webb F. Banks Passive Park on May 8.
Lax also faces six counts of attempted first-degree murder for allegedly shooting six other people during the pre-prom gathering for Haywood High School.
Authorities said the U.S. Marshals Service is attempting to take Lax into custody and is asking for the public’s help in locating him.
“We are requesting the public’s help with bringing Lax into custody. If you know of his whereabouts, we encourage you to contact law enforcement,” authorities said in a press release. “Based on his charges, Lax is considered armed and dangerous. Lastly, anyone who is assisting Lax from being apprehended or harboring him will be charged and prosecuted.”
Lax is described as 5 feet 7 inches tall and approximately 130 pounds. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Brownsville Police Department, or submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-TBI-FIND.
During a press conference following the shooting, Hayes’ mother pleaded for witnesses to come forward, according to WREG.
“She didn’t even make it to her boyfriend to take pictures. She was shot down. She only took one picture with her friends,” she said. “I just want justice for my baby. All she was doing was being a kid.”
“I just want to plead to the community for somebody to say something. It was way too many of you out there to not know who shot and killed my baby,” Hayes’ mother added. “Please, please, please. I’m begging y’all. If you don’t do it for nobody else, do it for Saturah.”
