SHELBY COUNTY, Tenn. The Shelby County community is reeling after a heartbreaking domestic tragedy that claimed the life of 32-year-old Yesica Juarez early Sunday morning inside a Cordova home. Authorities have identified 33-year-old Marcus Dotson as the suspect and issued a warrant for his arrest in connection with her death.
Deputies with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) were dispatched to a residence in the 6900 block of Manslick Road just before 3 a.m. following reports of gunfire. When they arrived, they found Juarez lying on the floor, suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite emergency efforts by officers and paramedics, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the sheriff’s office, the fatal shooting is being investigated as a domestic violence-related homicide, marking yet another devastating reminder of how deadly domestic disputes can become.
Authorities quickly identified Marcus Dotson as the suspect. He now faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
A Violent Past and a History of Trouble
Court records show that Dotson has a lengthy criminal background. In 2013, he was convicted of stabbing a witness who testified against him in a 2010 robbery case. His criminal history and prior convictions for violent offenses made him ineligible to legally possess a firearm.
Investigators have not released further details about what led up to the shooting, but family members of Juarez say it appears to have been the result of ongoing domestic issues.
A Community in Grief
The Cordova neighborhood where the tragedy unfolded is shaken. Community leaders and domestic violence advocates have stepped forward, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness and early intervention in abusive relationships.
Ponya Dodson, founder of Beauty Beyond the Scars—a Cordova-based nonprofit organization that helps domestic violence survivors—shared her sorrow over Juarez’s death.
“We’re heartbroken,” Dodson said. “At this point, we’re tired of hearing about domestic violence and people taking the lives of those they’re supposed to love. This one hit home because it happened right here in our community. It’s far too common, and it needs to stop.”
Dodson urged anyone in a dangerous relationship to seek help and encouraged friends and family members to speak up if they see warning signs.
“If you are in a domestic violence situation, please get out before you can’t get out,” she said. “If you know someone going through it, don’t stay silent. Help them find a way to safety. It might save their life.”
Remembering Yesica Juarez
Loved ones describe Yesica Juarez as a compassionate and hardworking woman who always went out of her way to care for others. Friends remember her bright smile, her warmth, and her kindness.
“She had a beautiful heart,” said one family member. “She didn’t deserve this. She was loved by everyone who knew her.”
As the investigation continues, neighbors have placed flowers and candles near the Cordova home where she lost her life, a quiet gesture of remembrance for a woman taken too soon.
Ongoing Investigation
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Division continues to search for Marcus Dotson, who remains at large. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact the SCSO at (901) 379-7625 or CrimeStoppers at (866) 371-TIPS (8477). Tips that lead to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward.
Domestic Violence Resources
If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic violence, please reach out for help before it’s too late.
The Shelby County community now mourns Yesica Juarez, remembering her not as a statistic but as a daughter, a friend, and a woman who deserved to live free from fear.
🕊️ May her memory inspire compassion, awareness, and change — and may justice be served for her and her loved ones.