Barton/DeSoto Road death investigated

In what appears to be a drop of a body on Barton DeSoto Road Friday, Jan. 6, is under investigation, according to sheriff Kenny Dickerson.

The body was identified as Gwenson Mallory Crutcher, 47, who was found unresponsive and lying facedown on the shoulder of the road when investigators arrived at approximately 3 p.m. To the 600 block of Barton DeSoto Road, the sheriff said.

Crutcher was identified by relatives later in the investigation, according to Maj. Kelly McMillen. Crutcher also lived on the same road.

Investigators obtained information from passersby that a white U-Haul truck was seen at the same area of the road, McMillen said.

At press-time Tuesday, a person of interest in custody and being questioned regarding the incident, Dickerson said.

Peyton Road shooting

Jan. 1, at approximately 6:50 p.m. officers were dispatched to 1080 Peyton Road in reference to a shooting, the sheriff said.

While en route to the location, officers received a call from Alliance Hospital that a male was at the hospital with multiple gunshot wounds to the body, McMillen said.

The victim had driven himself to the hospital and was later transported by ambulance to the Regional One Health Center in Memphis, Tenn.

Corey Wiseman Rakestraw, 44, of Independence, was identified as the victim of the shooting.

McMillen said Rakestraw was shot while sitting in his pickup and drove himself to the hospital.

No arrests have been made in the case, Dickerson said.

Stabbing under investigation

Deputies were dispatched Dec. 7, 2022, to Crescent Meadow Drive in connection with a victim with multiple stabbings with a sharp object, according to McMillen.

The victim was transported to Regional One via helicopter, where he was treated and later released.

Several days after the stabbing the victim provided information on a subject who he said had wounded him.

Derrick Donyea Thompson, 42, from the Highway 4 West area of Holly Springs, was arrested Dec. 28 by authorities without incident, McMillen said.

A warrant was issued by justice court judge Mae Garrison for Thompson’s arrest, and Thompson was arrested and is being held in the Marshall County Jail on $100,000 bond, McMillen said.

Secure identification of properties

The sheriff urged owners of All Terrain Vehicles, utility trailers and other properties to record the serial number on their properties and photograph the property in case it is stolen. He said if the property is stolen and later recovered by law enforcement, the owner can be contacted to come identify their property and take it home.