During a traffic check in Panola County, East Texas, on December 31, 2019, Gregory Newson was implicated in the death of Deputy William Christopher Dickerson. After being stopped at around 2:00 AM, Newson shot and killed Deputy Dickerson while carrying a substantial amount of marijuana, $5,500 in cash, and an illegally obtained AR-15 loaded with armor-piercing ammunition.
Newson was stopped, got out of his car, and started shooting at Deputy Dickerson, hitting him many times. Dickerson was left to die from his wounds after returning fire and wounded Newson in the legs. During a second pursuit, Newson continued shooting at additional cops as he ran from the area. Approximately one hour after rolling his car, he was caught with the murder weapon, more ammunition, cocaine, and money.
Dickerson, 28, had worked with the Panola County Sheriff’s Office for eight years as a deputy and a member of the Panola County Honor Guard. He was a veteran of the Texas Army National Guard for eight years. In addition, he coached in the Panola County Girls Softball Association and was a member of the Carthage Volunteer Fire Department. Dickerson left behind his two kids, Kensley and Chelsey Dickerson, as well as his wife, Krista.
Newson was accused of killing a peace officer with the death penalty. There were no mitigating circumstances offered to avoid the death penalty, and the jury unanimously found him to be a continuing menace to society and condemned him to death. Assistant Attorneys General Natalie Tise, Wesley Mau, and Matthew Ottoway spearheaded the prosecution, with support from Criminal Investigations Division Sergeant David Fugitt and legal assistant Michael Roberts.
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