A Camden man, who is originally from Dresden, was involved in a murder-suicide over the weekend, according to Benton County officials.

     Benton County Sheriff Tony King reports that at approximately 9 p.m. Sunday, May 23, Billy Joe Burnett shot and killed his wife, Lisa Burnett, shot her 17-year-old son, and then turned the gun on himself in a shocking case of murder-suicide.

     Lisa Burnett reportedly died on the scene, while Billy Burnett died of self-inflicted gunshot wounds shortly before noon on Monday at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. However, the condition of the minor injured in the shooting spree was upgraded from “critical” to “serious but stable,” and he is expected to recover.

     Two days prior to the shooting, the Burnetts were reportedly involved in a domestic dispute and Mrs. Burnett had called the Benton County Courthouse about getting a restraining order against her husband. She was told that she would have to get a lawyer, but didn’t have the money to hire an attorney.

     The shooting took place at the couple’s mobile home located approximately eight miles north of Camden at the corner of French Store and Loop roads. Upon entering the residence, Burnett shot his wife, who was found near the back door, and then shot her son when he ran into the room after he heard the shots. He then took his own life. The teen managed to get outside and call his grandmother (Lisa’s mother) with his cell phone before collapsing in the ditch. The grandmother then called 911.

     Family members reported that they were shocked over the shooting, due to Mr. Burnett’s usually reserved demeanor. Police state that they had never been called to the home previously, and neither Mr. nor Mrs. Burnett had a criminal record.

     Although the couple had been married for seven months, they had reportedly been together three or four years prior to their wedding last fall.

(Read the rest of this story in the May 23rd print edition of the Dresden Enterprise!)

     A 36-year-old Dresden native has been awarded the prestigious Bronze Star for his leadership as a convoy commander and squad leader.

     Chad Brundige joined the U.S. Army in 1988, and entered active service shortly after graduating from Dresden High School. His battlefield experience has served him well in keeping the soldiers under his command alive while accomplishing their unit’s mission.

     First Lieutenant Charles McClean, who recommended Staff Sergeant Chad Brundige for the Bronze Star Medal, was also the officer who presented the award to Brundige on March 9, 2007 for his outstanding leadership during his tour in Iraq.

     In his official recommendation, 1Lt. McClean states that Staff Sgt. Brundige “distinguished himself through exceptionally meritorious service during Operation Iraqi Freedom from May 2006 to July 2007. He proudly served as the convoy escort team Commander for Hurricane 12, personally leading over 40 combat missions on the most treacherous terrain in the world.

     “Immediately upon the company’s arrival in theater, Staff Sgt. Brundige developed a comprehensive training plan, systematically organizing and training his team for convoy escort operations. His vigorous training plan focused on each weapon and communications system used during convoy operations. He mandated team-training sessions to develop tactics, techniques and procedures and actions on contact employed on the road.

     “In addition, he ensured that his team’s proficiency in all assigned weapons systems, concentrating on specialty team rehearsals and focusing strict attention on safe and orderly convoy escort operations. He constantly emphasized pre-combat checks and inspections, rehearsals and aggressive execution of the mission. These skills ingrained into his soldiers enabled him to mold one of the most reliable, effective and professional teams in the battalion.

     “His decision-making ability, technical competency and expert leadership were instrumental in quickly gaining control every time he faced the enemy. His superior leadership and guidance enabled his team to seamlessly move critical combat assets throughout the Multi National Corps-Iraq Area of Operations.

(Read the rest of this story in this week's print edition of the Dresden Enterprise!)

     Members of the Martin Police Department made arrests in assorted cases during the past week, including a drug possession case and two unrelated burglary cases as follows:

Drug bust made during traffic stop

     A drug-related arrest was made over the weekend, following a traffic stop by a Martin Police officer.

     According to a police report filed by Ptl. Stacey Bostwick, on Saturday, May 19, the officer states that he was following a gray GMC truck on Lindell Street. As the vehicle turned onto the Hwy. 22 on-ramp, Ptl. Bostwick states that he observed the vehicle accelerate very hard. Once the officer caught up with the vehicle, he stopped it on Hwy 22.

     While approaching the vehicle, Ptl. Bostwick states that he detected the odor of marijuana emitting from the vehicle even before he reached the window area. While speaking with the occupants inside the truck, Ptl. Bostwick states he noticed that the passenger was very nervous. The driver was asked to step out of the vehicle, and consent to search was obtained. Upon searching the vehicle, Ptl. Bostwick located a large, plastic bag that contained nine cellophane bags, each containing a green plant material the officer recognized as being marijuana - a Schedule VI controlled substance. The total amount of the confiscated drugs weighed 84.8 grams.

    Arrested was 21-year-old Damon L. Shore, of 1348 Forrester Road in Union City.

     During his arraignment in Weakley County General Sessions Court on Monday, Shore was given a June 6 preliminary hearing date and had his bond set at $1,000.

(Read the rest of this story in the May 23rd print edition of the Dresden Enterprise!)