07-03-2025
Haywood County chase under investigation after 19-year-old's death
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Haywood County Sheriff's Office is investigating a high-speed chase that ended with the death of a 19-year-old.
JaMarion Russell was found dead in a water-filled ditch on Mar. 3 after his car crashed and he ran from a Haywood County deputy.
According to a release by Haywood County Sheriff Billy Garrett, Jr., a deputy stopped the 2016 Dodge Charger on Briarcreek Road near Highway 19 West for traffic violations.
ORGINAL STORY: Man found dead in ditch after running from Haywood County deputy
Garrett says when the deputy approached the vehicle, the driver accelerated at a high rate of speed north on Briarcreek with the deputy in pursuit, and the deputy discontinued the pursuit when it appeared the driver was not going to stop.
According to reports, the deputy did continue on Briarcreek Road and, from the curve, he saw where the Charger left the roadway, flew over this ditch, and hit a large tree.
Deputies say Russell bailed out of his vehicle and ran away, and they lost sight of him on the other side of the ditch.
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Sheriff Garrett says that JaMarion Russell's mother was notified of the crash from her son's phone and, along with family members, searched for the 19-year-old who was found deceased several hours later about 150 yards from the crash site in a water-filled ditch.
Russell's mother reached out to WREG with questions and concerns about her son's death and the investigation and agreed to meet at the crash site for an interview but did not show up or return calls.
Haywood County Sheriff Billy Garrett, Jr. declined an interview out of respect and sympathy for the grieving family. He said he would wait on the autopsy report and funeral services before meeting with the victim's family.
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