Man in Tennessee who called himself a ‘serial killer’ receives a 261-year sentence for 5 individual murders

During his trial, a man from Memphis, who identified himself as a “serial killer,” has been given an additional 159 years in prison after admitting to three counts of first-degree murder on February 14th.

This new sentence is to be carried out one after the other following his previous conviction for two counts of first-degree murder, resulting in a total of 102 years behind bars. In total, he is looking at 261 years in jail for the deaths of five individuals.

Joshua Dotson, the man who confessed to the killings, was found guilty in 2020 of murdering his former partner, Jamesha Covson, and their unborn baby back in August 2014.

After Covson’s death, Dotson wrote “fly high.” on social media in memory of her, while calling her a “sex worker” in court and claiming she was aware of his previous murders, which he argued was his motive for killing her.

Joshua Dotson was sentenced to 261 years in prison for five murders.  (Shelby County District Attorney, Steve Mulroy)

Dotson took an unorthodox approach during the trial, often testifying in his own defense and referring to himself as a “serial killer.” He also likened himself to “Michael Myers,” a fictional murderer.

Dotson eventually went on to claim responsibility for three additional murders between 2019 and 2020.

Joshua Dotson was convicted in August 2024 of killing his former girlfriend, Jamesha Covson, and their unborn child in 2020. (Brad Vest/Getty Images)

Dotson pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the death of Divieon Parker, two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Renita Bennett and Reginald Anderson, and three counts of reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon.

“After five years, we are pleased to finally have justice for Dotson’s multiple victims. His sentences, both from the guilty verdict after a trial and these two pleas today, amount to 261 years in prison. While no amount of time in prison will bring the victims back to their loved ones, we are content that he will never be a threat to our community again,” Prosecutor Regina Lucreziano said.