On August 4, 2025, at approximately 10:00 p.m., officers from our agency responded to a report of a shooting at a residence on Brewer Street. Upon arrival, officers located a child who had sustained injuries as a result of the incident. The child, who investigators later determined was struck during a shooting in which Quntavious Dewonta Watkins is now charged as a suspect, was transported for medical care and later transferred to LeBonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. At the time of the initial release, the child was reported to be in stable condition.
Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division immediately assumed control of the case, and investigators worked diligently to follow leads, collect evidence, and identify potential suspects. Community assistance was requested, and individuals were encouraged to provide information through direct contact with investigators or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi and the P3 Tip App.
Updated Release:
Since the initial incident, significant progress has been made in the investigation. The child victim has since been treated and released from LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, which was a positive development for the family and community.
As part of the ongoing investigative efforts, the suspect vehicle believed to be involved in the shooting was located at a business in Lee County, between Baldwyn and Guntown. This discovery proved instrumental in moving the investigation forward. Multiple arrests connected to the case were made and publicly released on August 27, 2025.
On September 3, 2025, the U.S. Marshals Service, working in collaboration with local authorities, apprehended an additional suspect near Third Street. The suspect was identified as Quntavious Dewonta Watkins, 22 years old, of Baldwyn, Mississippi.
Following his arrest, Watkins was transferred to the Prentiss County Criminal Investigation Division, where he was formally charged with the following offenses:
- One felony count of Shooting into a Dwelling
- Eight felony counts of Aggravated Assault with a Firearm
Watkins’ bond was set at $500,000.00 by Prentiss County Justice Court Judge Ray Hall.
It is important to emphasize that all individuals arrested in connection with this case are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The charges outlined are allegations at this stage and will be presented to the Prentiss County Grand Jury for consideration.
This case highlights the importance of interagency cooperation and community involvement in the pursuit of justice. The combined efforts of patrol officers, detectives, the U.S. Marshals, and tips from the public have been vital in advancing the investigation and bringing suspects into custody.
Authorities continue to encourage anyone with additional information related to this case to come forward. Members of the community can contact our agency directly at (662) 728-5611, the Criminal Investigation Division at (662) 728-6104, or submit tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Northeast Mississippi at (800) 773-TIPS (8477). The P3 Tip App also remains available for secure and anonymous submissions.
The investigation remains active, and updates will be provided as new developments occur.
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