The death of a Hinds County sheriff’s deputy over the weekend in south Jackson is being investigated as a homicide. 

Sgt. James Dotson Jr., 32, died Sunday evening at a home on the 1700 block of Dorgan Street from multiple gunshot wounds, according to the Hinds County Coroner’s Office. 

“On behalf of the entire Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, I extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to Sgt. Dotson’s family, friends, and the many lives he touched throughout his career,” Hinds Sheriff Tyree Jones said in a Monday statement. 

“May they find comfort in the legacy he leaves behind and the love that surrounds them during this difficult time.”

Jackson police spokesman Tommie Brown said no suspects had been arrested by midday Monday, and the investigation remains active as detectives interview witnesses and locate surveillance video. The department is encouraging people to reach out with tips, which may lead to a cash reward.

Dotson worked at the Hinds County Detention Center in Raymond and served the sheriff’s department and community with unwavering commitment, professionalism and compassion, Jones said. 

“His presence was a source of strength and stability, and his contributions to our mission of justice and public safety will not be forgotten,” Jones said. “He exemplified the very best of corrections — steadfast in duty, generous in spirit, and respected by all who had the privilege to work alongside him.”

Dotson’s death comes less than a year after the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department lost Deputy Sgt. Martin Shields Jr., who died Feb. 23 while responding to a domestic violence call in Terry. The suspect, who also shot his wife and another woman trying to flee, shot Shields and died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

The National Fraternal Order of Police tracks line-of-duty shootings and releases monthly updates. The most recent report through Oct. 31 found nationwide 285 officers were shot in the line of duty, and 38 of those died. 

Among those fatalities is McComb Police Sgt. Jason Blake, who died Aug. 5 while responding to an off-duty request for help at a domestic violence call. The suspect shot and injured a woman before fatally shooting Blake and himself.  

The Officer Down Memorial Page, a national nonprofit tracking line of duty deaths, also lists the Oct. 17 death of Jackson County Deputy Sheriff Joshua Brashears. The sheriff’s office said he was on his way home in the early morning when his cruiser collided with horses on Mississippi Highway 15.

Information relating to the investigation of Dotson’s killing can be given to Crime Stoppers at 601-355-TIPS (8477) or the Jackson Police Department at 601-960-1234.