News Summary
Two men have been sentenced to a total of 20 years in prison for their roles in a deadly drag racing incident in Oxford, Mississippi, which resulted in the death of an unborn child and injuries to the child’s mother. Meko Lamar and Tyler Hammond were involved in a high-speed race when they collided with the victim’s vehicle, leading to serious legal consequences after their conviction. This tragic event highlights the dangers of reckless driving and its impact on innocent lives.
Oxford, Mississippi
Two men have been sentenced to a total of 20 years in prison for their roles in a deadly drag racing incident that resulted in the death of an unborn child and serious injuries to the child’s mother. Meko Lamar and Tyler Hammond, both 22 years old from Como, Mississippi, were convicted by a Lafayette County jury for their involvement in the crash that occurred in March 2022.
The tragic incident took place in the early hours of March 6, 2022, around 3:15 a.m., on West Jackson Avenue near the McDonald’s drive-thru in Oxford. At the time, Lamar and Hammond were engaged in a high-speed drag race when they collided with the victim’s vehicle. This collision resulted in critical injuries to the mother, who was subsequently rushed to Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi for emergency treatment. Sadly, the unborn child did not survive the crash, leading to significant legal repercussions for both men.
On July 23, 2025, after a thorough trial, the jury found Lamar and Hammond guilty on two counts: fleeing in concert with injury and fleeing in concert with death. They were sentenced to 20 years for fleeing in concert with injury, which includes five years of post-release supervision. For the fleeing in concert with death charge, they received an additional 40 years, along with another five years of post-release supervision. Both sentences will be served concurrently, resulting in a combined 20-year prison term.
Charges and Convictions
The jury’s decision was based on evidence presented during the trial, which included details of the crash and the actions of Lamar and Hammond following the incident. Reports indicate that both individuals fled the scene immediately after the collision, prompting investigations by local law enforcement including the Oxford Police Department.
Police Response
The Oxford police, led by Chief Jeff McCutchen, expressed deep sorrow regarding the events surrounding the case. The police chief emphasized the significance of thorough documentation and investigations to ensure justice for victims in similar tragic circumstances. The case has underscored the dangers of reckless driving and the devastating impact it can have on innocent lives.
Background Context
Drag racing is illegal and poses significant risks not only to the participants but also to other road users. The incident involving Lamar and Hammond serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of such reckless behavior. According to statistics on traffic-related fatalities, accidents caused by negligent driving practices, like drag racing, contribute to countless injuries and deaths every year. Community awareness and preventive measures are increasingly being highlighted to combat these dangerous practices.
The aftermath of this incident has also reignited discussions about road safety and the responsibilities of drivers. Families affected by similar incidents often advocate for stricter penalties and enhanced education regarding road safety to help prevent future tragedies.
This case will serve as a point of reference for ongoing conversations surrounding traffic safety and the legal ramifications faced by those who disregard the law. In this instance, Lamar and Hammond will spend the next 20 years in prison, reflecting on a decision that not only altered their lives but also caused irreparable harm to another family.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Action News 5
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- Daily Journal
- Google Search: Drag Racing Incidents
- WREG
- Google Scholar: Reckless Driving
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
- Dark Horse Press
- Google News: Traffic Safety
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
