Sixteen-year-old Denasia Monae McGregory of Prairie, Mississippi, was found dead in the trunk of a car in a Tupelo daycare parking lot during a welfare check on May 22, 2023. A Houston High School student described by family as kind and compassionate, Denasia was identified by the Lee County Coroner’s Office; the state medical examiner’s autopsy determined she died from gunshot injuries.

Investigators say evidence indicates the killing occurred in Clay County and that Denasia’s body was later transported to Tupelo. Police developed probable cause pointing to 19-year-old Labrandon Tumblin of Aberdeen. After an alleged hostage situation in which he barricaded himself inside a nearby house, Tumblin surrendered to a Tupelo SWAT unit. He was initially held on a kidnapping charge in Tupelo, then transferred to Clay County and charged with murder.

If anyone knew Denasia, saw her on or around May 22, 2023, or has information about the movements of the victims or vehicles involved, please come forward with what was observed.