The self-described “Michael Myers” of Tennessee was sentenced on Halloween 2024 for the murder of his girlfriend and preborn child. Joshua Dotson’s lack of remorse made the sentencing easy for the presiding judge, who declared, “This is one of the saddest situations I’ve seen in my career…” and “You will never show remorse for the loss you’ve caused. The jury got it right.”
While his defense attorneys argued for him to serve each sentence concurrently, he was instead ordered to serve 51 years for the murder of his girlfriend and another 51 years for the murder of a child in the womb. That adds up to a 102-year sentence for the horrific 2020 murders.
Jamesha Covson was 19 years old and her baby was seven months gestation when Dotson shot her and their preborn child through the door of her apartment. After immediately leaving the scene, he returned and shot her several more times, according to witnesses. Later, he posted a sickening tribute on social media, claiming to hope she would “fly high.”
Shockingly, Dotson testified on his own behalf, referring to himself as a “serial killer” and like “Michael Myers” — a fictional horror movie character from the famed “Halloween” horror series. He also alluded to previous murders he committed, which have not been substantiated by prosecutors or police.
A statement from the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office read, “Today’s sentencing brings a measure of justice for Jamesha Covson and her unborn child. The court’s decision affirms that those who commit acts of violence with such disregard for human life will be held accountable.”
A leading cause of death among pregnant women is homicide, as determined by researchers in a 2021 study in the Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. As reported by Live Action News, the study revealed that homicide during pregnancy “exceeded all the leading causes of maternal mortality.” This sad statistic is especially true for Covson who, as a young Black woman, was at a “significantly elevated” risk of homicide, according to the study.
Pregnant and postpartum women are vulnerable to domestic violence. The Family Violence Prevention Fund has reported that more than any other cause, women die by homicide at the hands of their partner.
Editor’s Note: If you are victim of domestic violence, visit thehotline.org or call 1-800-799-SAFE.
