'Serial killer' who likened himself to Michael Myers sentenced to 261 years in prison

A self-proclaimed 'serial killer' who compared himself to Michael Myers has had another 159 years added onto his already colossal sentence.

Joshua Dotson was told he would spend a whopping 102 years behind bars after he was convicted of brutally murdering his former girlfriend Jamesha Covson, 19, and her unborn child last year.

The 24-year-old's sentence has now more than doubled, according to officials in Tennessee, as he later pleaded guilty to three other slayings.

Dotson admitted to taking the lives of Divieon Parker, Renita Bennett and Reginald Anderson, as well as three counts of reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon.

It means he is now serving five consecutive life sentences, totalling up to a staggering prison sentence of 261 years.

Joshua Dotson, 24, was sentenced to a whopping 261 years in total (TBI's Most Wanted)

"After five years, we are pleased to finally have justice for Dotson’s multiple victims," Shelby County assistant district attorney, Regina Lucreziano, said last week.

"His sentences, both from the guilty verdict after a trial and these two pleas today, amount to 261 years in prison.

"While no amount of time in prison will bring the victims back to their loved ones, we are content that he will never be a threat to our community again."

Dotson first sent shockwaves through the US state of Tennessee after fatally shooting his former partner on 12 June, 2020.

Covson was several months pregnant when multiple gun shots were fired through her door and into her home by the killer, leading to his arrest days later.

According to police, Dotson testified in his own defence during his trial and dubbed himself a 'serial killer', while comparing himself to fictional murderer Michael Myers, who is famed by the Halloween franchise.

"I am Michael Myers," the killer repeatedly told the court, according to WHBQ.

Tragic Jamesha Covson, 19, was shot dead while several months pregnant (Serenity Funeral Home)

Cops said Dotson also cruelly tried to 'diminish Covson's memory' in court by 'calling her a sex worker' and also claimed that she was aware of his previous murders, which he said is the reason he shot her.

Jurors are said to have deliberated for just 45 minutes before convicting him and the 24-year-old was sentenced to two consecutive 51-year sentences, one for each life taken.

A statement released by the District Attorney’s Office at the time said: "The court’s decision affirms that those who commit acts of violence with such disregard for human life will be held accountable.

"Our hearts are with the family and friends of Jamesha Covson, and we hope this sentence brings them some peace as they continue to grieve this profound loss."

Dotson claimed then claimed responsibility for the murder of 18-year-old Parker in a Memphis car park on 17 November, 2019.

He also shot Bennett and Anderson dead on 24 May the following year near a park in the city.

Dotson will spend the rest of his life behind bars.