BROWNSVILLE, TN – An 18-year-old wanted in connection with a deadly mass shooting at a Brownsville park earlier this month has surrendered to authorities, according to investigators.
Authorities said Dequarius “DQ” Lax turned himself in to local law enforcement on May 27 after being sought by the United States Marshals Service and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Lax was wanted on charges including first-degree murder, six counts of attempted murder, and multiple additional offenses connected to a May 8 shooting at Webb Banks Park in Brownsville.
Investigators said seven people were shot during the incident.
Authorities said the violence began following an altercation during a gathering at the park connected to pre-prom activities.
The shooting claimed the life of 17-year-old Saturah Hayes, a student at Haywood High School.
Investigators said Hayes had been at the park taking prom photographs before the shooting erupted.
Following the incident, Bill Rawls addressed the impact the shooting had on the community.
“This tragedy deeply impacted our community and forever changed the lives of so many families,” Rawls said. “While nothing can erase the pain caused by that senseless act of violence, we are thankful for the continued commitment and persistence shown by investigators in seeking justice. Today represents an important step toward accountability and healing for everyone affected.”
