Suspect Wanted in Relation to Convenience Store Robberies

By Greg Ritchie

Messenger Reporter

ANDERSON COUNTY –  The Palestine Police Department (PPD) issued a call to residents as they searched for two men believed to be involved in a number of robberies of Palestine area gas stations shortly before Christmas. 

Just after 11 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 16, officers from the Palestine Police Department responded to the Mini-Mart at 321 W. Palestine Ave. in reference to a reported aggravated robbery.

The clerk at the store stated two black males entered the store wearing dark clothing and masks. Both were carrying handguns and demanded money. The suspects took cash from the register, tobacco products and food before fleeing the store on foot.

Tuesday, Dec. 20 at around 6 a.m., officers were dispatched to Mr. D’s at 3209 W. Oak in reference to another aggravated robbery. Again, the clerk described the alleged robbers as two black males wearing black jackets and masks with handguns and demanding money. The suspects removed cash from the registers and fled on foot.

PPD was able to identify the two men as Dantrell Rashaud Beasley and Ja’Maurius Demond Manning. Shortly before New Year, Crockett Police Department (CPD) reported Manning had turned himself in to authorities and was taken to Houston County Jail. 

Manning faces charges in Anderson County of first degree felony aggravated robbery with bond set at $300,000 and a charge of a fugitive failing to identify themselves or giving false identification with a bond of $25,000. 

CPD reported Beasley is still on the loose but it known to have ties to the Crockett area. They are asking residents with any information to contact CPD at 936-544-2862 or PPD directly at (903)729-2254. 

Greg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]