HINDS COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – Family and friends gathered to honor the life of a Hinds County sergeant, who was killed in Jackson.

A balloon release for Sgt. James Dotson, Jr., 32, was held at the Hinds County Detention Center on November 6, 2025. Colleagues said Dotson was a dedicated worker at the jail, while his family said he was kind, joyous and empathetic.

“My gentle giant. He was he was a jokester. He loved laughter. He smiled. We didn’t know if he was angry or not, because he always kept a smile,” said Melonda Quinn, Dotson’s mother.

The shooting occurred in the 1700 block of Dorgan Street on November 2, 2025. According to police, Dotson was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Police said the suspects, Ladarien Tyrese Jones and Mercedes Guise, were arrested at a motel in Vicksburg on November 5, 2025. Jones was charged with murder and auto theft. Guise was charged with hindering prosecution and accessory after the fact.

Jones was denied bond on Thursday, and Guise received a $500,000 bond. Dotson’s friend, Matthew Chambers, said Jones should not have been out on bond when the fatal shooting occurred.

“I am happy that he is in custody. I am happy that he did not get a bond. He shouldn’t have got a bond the first time, for the second time or anything else. His rap sheet is as long as my leg. I’m six-foot. Absolutely makes no sense to me,” Chambers said.

According to Chambers, Dotson was preparing to move to Dallas, Texas.