A Memphis man who called himself a “serial killer” and compared himself to Michael Myers has been sentenced to 261 years in prison for multiple murders and violent crimes.
Quick Takes
- Joshua Dotson received an additional 159-year sentence, bringing his total to 261 years for five murders
- Dotson was previously convicted for killing his pregnant ex-girlfriend and her unborn child
- He pleaded guilty to three more murders and three counts of reckless endangerment
- Prosecutors express satisfaction that Dotson will no longer pose a threat to the community
Self-Proclaimed “Serial Killer” Faces Justice
Joshua Dotson, a Memphis resident, has been sentenced to a staggering 261 years in prison for a series of brutal murders and violent crimes. The sentencing, which took place on Valentine’s Day 2025, added 159 years to Dotson’s previous life sentences, ensuring he will spend the rest of his life behind bars. This case has shocked the Memphis community and drawn national attention due to the severity of the crimes and Dotson’s chilling self-proclamation as a “serial killer.”
A History of Violence
Dotson’s criminal record began with the murder of his former girlfriend, Jamesha Covson, and their unborn child in 2020. He was convicted of these crimes in August 2024, receiving two consecutive life sentences totaling 102 years. During the trial, Dotson bizarrely posted “fly high” on social media after Covson’s death and referred to her as a “sex worker” in court, claiming she knew about his previous murders.
Joshua Dotson from Tennessee, has been sentenced to an additional 159 years in prison for three murders, bringing his total sentence to 261 years. This sentencing, which occurred on February 14, 2025, follows his previous conviction for murdering his pregnant ex-girlfriend and… pic.twitter.com/2N0CH3CTuq
— Savage Times (@SavageTimes_) February 18, 2025
Additional Murders and Charges
In a shocking turn of events, Dotson pleaded guilty to three more murders on Valentine’s Day 2025. The victims were identified as Divieon Parker, Renita Bennett, and Reginald Anderson. These killings occurred between 2019 and 2020, painting a picture of a man on a violent rampage. In addition to the murders, Dotson also admitted to three counts of reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, further emphasizing the threat he posed to public safety.
“After five years, we are pleased to finally have justice for Dotson’s multiple victims. His sentences, both from the guilty verdict after a trial and these two pleas today, amount to 261 years in prison. While no amount of time in prison will bring the victims back to their loved ones, we are content that he will never be a threat to our community again” Prosecutor Regina Lucreziano announced.
Justice Served
The case, handled by ADA Regina Lucreziano and Chief Prosecutor Lessie Rainey, has brought a sense of closure to the victims’ families and the Memphis community. The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office expressed hope that the sentencing brings justice and peace to those affected by Dotson’s heinous crimes. While the pain of loss can never be fully erased, the knowledge that Dotson will spend the rest of his life behind bars offers some comfort to the grieving families.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of a robust criminal justice system and the need for vigilance in our communities. The swift and decisive action taken by law enforcement and prosecutors has ensured that a dangerous individual will no longer pose a threat to society, bringing a measure of solace to the victims’ loved ones and the wider Memphis community.
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Self-proclaimed ‘serial killer’ sentenced to 261 years in prison
Tennessee man, self-proclaimed ‘serial killer,’ sentenced to 261 years in 5 separate murders
