MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Memphis man was sentenced to 102 years in prison for the murders of his 19-year-old former girlfriend and her unborn child.
The Shelby County District Attorneys office said Joshua Dotson received two consecutive 51-year sentences — one for each life taken. His defense attorney argued for concurrent sentences, allowing Dotson’s two 51-year terms to run simultaneously. However, Judge Carlyn Addison upheld consecutive sentencing, underscoring the gravity of the crime.
“This is one of the saddest situations I’ve seen in my career,” Judge Addison said. “You will never show remorse for the loss you’ve caused. The jury got it right.”
Dotson was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in the death of Jamesha Covson, who was pregnant at the time.
The shooting happened on June 12, 2020, at the victim’s home in the 1200 block of Quinn Avenue near Bellevue Boulevard and South Parkway East. Investigators said Dotson shot Covson after getting angry about a Facebook post and her pregnancy.
Prosecutors said Police found Covson shot several times and she died at the hospital.
Dotson was added to the TBI's Most Wanted list and arrested six days after the shooting in Nashville.
Throughout his trial, Dotson testified in his own defense, referring to himself as a “serial killer” and comparing himself to the fictional murderer "Michael Myers.", according to The Shelby County District Attorneys office. Dotson also claimed responsibility for three additional murders between 2019 and 2020.
Investigators said about two hours after the shooting, Dotson posted a memorial for Covson on his Facebook page, telling her to "Fly high." Prosecutors believe it was a “calculated attempt to distance himself from the crime.”
In court, he attempted to diminish her memory, calling her a “sex worker” and claiming she was aware of his previous murders, which he argued was his motive for killing her, according to the Shelby County District Attorney's office.
“Today’s sentencing brings a measure of justice for Jamesha Covson and her unborn child,” said a spokesperson for the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office. “The court’s decision affirms that those who commit acts of violence with such disregard for human life will be held accountable. Our hearts are with the family and friends of Jamesha Covson, and we hope this sentence brings them some peace as they continue to grieve this profound loss.”