Cortez Damon Dunlap

A man known for his infectious smile and ability to bring joy to any room, Cortez Damon Dunlap Sr., was a loving father, son, and brother whose life was abruptly taken at the age of 34. Born in Jackson, Mississippi, on August 6, 1989, to Malcolm Dunlap and Chantella Mallett Brown, Cortez was a man deeply rooted in his family. He was a devoted father to his two children, Alayshia and Cortez Jr., and was remembered by loved ones as someone with a passion for making people laugh. Friends and family recalled his generous spirit, with one friend describing him as the type of person who would give someone the "shirt off his back." Known affectionately as "Zay" or "3 Dizzle," Cortez was a graduate of Morrison Academy High School and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

The early morning hours of Tuesday, June 25, 2024, brought tragedy to a South Jackson neighborhood. Residents in the area of Primrose Street and Bienville Drive reported hearing several gunshots around 5 a.m. When officers from the Jackson Police Department arrived at the 1100 block of Primrose Street, they discovered Cortez Dunlap. He had sustained a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene. The preliminary investigation suggested the shooting may have been domestic in nature. Crime scene investigators examined the area, and a tow truck was seen hauling away a car that had what appeared to be a single bullet hole in its front windshield, a stark piece of evidence from the violent encounter that ended a life.

The investigation into the homicide moved swiftly. Detectives with the Jackson Police Department quickly identified a suspect and made an arrest in connection with the deadly shooting. Xavier Wells, also 34 years old, was taken into custody on the same day as the incident. The department announced that Wells faced a series of serious charges for his alleged role in Cortez Dunlap's death.

Xavier Wells was formally charged with murder, possession of a firearm, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. An additional charge of possession of a stolen firearm was also filed against him. Following his arrest, the Jackson Police Department continued its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. As of the initial reports in late June 2024, the case was considered an ongoing investigation by law enforcement. No further updates on the progression of the case through the Hinds County court system have been publicly released.

In the days following Cortez's death, his family gathered to mourn their profound loss. A visitation was held on Friday, July 5, 2024, at Westhaven Funeral Home in Jackson, allowing friends and the community to pay their respects. The funeral service took place the next day, Saturday, July 6, at the New Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Raymond, Mississippi. Cortez was laid to rest in the Little Rock Church Cemetery in Utica. Tributes poured in from friends and family, who remembered him as a protector, a best friend, and a brother. One cousin wrote, "You had a heart of gold and It hurts now that it is gone... So until me meet again I'll cherish all your memories."

The case of Cortez Dunlap's death is a painful reminder of a life filled with promise and laughter cut short by violence. While an arrest was made promptly, the legal process to bring the case to a final resolution continues. The Jackson Police Department has asked that anyone with additional information regarding the shooting contact them at (601) 960-1234 or Crime Stoppers at (601) 355-8477. His loved ones are left with cherished memories of his smile and his unwavering love for his children, holding onto the hope for justice.