MERIDIAN, Miss. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Get more stories delivered right to your email. on or near the 29th Avenue bridge. Photo Date: June 9, 2022. As of the 2010 census, the population was 80,261. Lt. Rita Jack with the Meridian Police Department says the victim has been identified as Clarissa Ruffin, 22. Diamond Stephens, a 39-year-old Black transgender woman was shot to death June 18 in Meridian, Mississippi. The Meridian Star reports the men are charged with capital murder and aggravated assault in the []. If you locate any information that is not correct, please contact our firm immediately so that we can update the post with the most accurate information available. Meridian, a city of more than 40,000, isabout 95mileswest of Tuscaloosa. The suspected shooter, Dante Bender, 31, was taken into custody Friday in the town of Ackerman, Young said. MERIDIAN, Miss. Matthew Tucker later died of what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound after leading police on a chase. Jones was Bender's fiance, WTOK-TV in Meridian reported. Police have formally charged a Meridian woman with murder in connection with a November 2020 domestic dispute. Even beautiful places can have dark pasts and Mississippi is no exception. The incident unfolder near 2400 51st Avenue in Meridian, MS. Croom had been with the Meridian Police Department since October. Maddox said that he and Tuscaloosa Police Chief Brent Blankley have chosen totreat the funeral of Kennis Croom, whose body is expected to be transported Friday afternoon back to Tuscaloosa,as if it was that for aTuscaloosa police officer. Jackson, MS 39201 (601)948-3333; Public Inspection File. . Get Away From It All Each Month Of The Year With These 12 Magnificent Escapes In Mississippi, The Unassuming Town Of Pascagoula, Mississippi Is One Of Americas Best Hidden Gems For A Weekend Getaway, Paddling Through The Hidden Black Creek Is A Magical Mississippi Adventure That Will Light Up Your Soul, Search For Fossils At W.M. State Police believe 31-year-old Dante Marquez Bender is responsible for the double homicide, and a manhunt is underway to find him Thursday night. . Local Mississippi Breaking News Story from CBS 12 New WJTV, your Jackson, MS news leader Burks is accused of hiding out near the ATM at Commercial Bank on Highway 39 and ambushing a woman using the ATM. Meridian Officer Kennis Croom was shot to death about 5:30 p.m. while responding to a domestic violence call in . appreciated. ( WJTV) - The man accused of killing a Meridian police officer and a woman has been captured. Will your claim be settled or will it make it all the way to trial? The Croom Family asks that donations be made in Kennis honor to the Croom Family Foundation https://t.co/cuQpY7vIbA pic.twitter.com/6LW2qU8XHc. This whole incident is tragic and senseless. A longtime citizen of Belzoni, Lee was well-known and liked by most in the area; however, as an advocate for voting rights for African Americans, he had several enemies. Weather. Live Events. A Mississippi man stalked a bank in the early hours of the morning and then ambushed and killed a woman using the ATM. Meridian, MS - Woman Killed in Fatal Log Truck Accident on Hwy 19 Meridian, MS (December 10, 2021) - At 9:17 p.m. on the night of Thursday, December 9, a woman was killed in a fatal log truck in Meridian. Did you encounter any technical issues? MERIDIAN, Miss A former police officer suspected of killing a Mississippi police officer who was responding to a call about domestic violence has been . Teen accused of killing woman at Meridian ATM makes first court appearance, Two people killed in wreck, 22-year-old woman charged with aggravated DUI, Police chase in Jackson results in multiple people facing felony charges, Former Ole Miss, NFL football player arrested for kidnapping. Police say 42-year-old Michael Portis is charged with the murder of his 37-year-old. "We have received numerous tips with information about the incident. Thunder possible. You can unsubscribe at any time. Chief Deputy Ward Calhoun said Tucker was arrested in late October for simple assault-domestic violence, but had since bonded out. Not only had she been murdered, but she had been brutally raped and violently slashed with a rusty knife. Get information on foreclosure homes for rent, how to buy foreclosures on . News. Overcast. If you have suffered from these immense losses, you may wonder where you and your family can turn. Note:These posts are generated solely for MW Law Firm -Mama Justice. First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Police have named a mother and her four-year-old daughter who were killed when they were hit by a car in rush hour. These accidents can typically be prevented but continue to occur due to the recklessness of others. (THECOUNT) Stacy Bourque, of Rayne, Louisiana, has been identified as, STARK COUNTY, OH. Source: WTOK-TV. After the mysterious death of her husband John Monroe Keeton, Daisy and her daughter Ouida chose to move from McNeill to Laurel. Originally from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Croom is part of a family connected to University of Alabama football that includes an uncle, Sylvester Croom, who was an assistant coach at Alabama and in the NFL and head coach at Mississippi State University. The two men who committed the crime were tried, but an all-white, male jury acquitted the pair. She was pronounced dead at Anderson Regional Health System from gunshot wounds, Sollie said. killed in helicopter crash. Fifteen years after the murder, new evidence was obtained but the murderer has still not been caught. A Warner Bros. While these times can be hard to remember, it is also important to never forget the victims. MERIDIAN, Miss A 57-year-old woman has died after the SUV she was driving was struck by an Amtrak passenger train in Meridian. According to local media, family members said that Stephens was driving home to get ready for work when she was killed. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much On May 11, 2020, Meridian Police patrol officers responded to Ms. Radue's residence for an unresponsive infant. December 23, 2020. Were you surprised by any of these? Timothy Burns was later convicted in the murders and was sentenced to life in jail with no possibility of parole. Published Coined one of the states most infamous murders, the killing of 14 year-old Emmett Till took place in August of 1955. WTOK E-News. (WTOK) - The Meridian Police Department said a grandmother is dead after her boyfriend stabbed her multiple times on Wednesday night. These are questions that you can answer when you speak with a Meridian wrongful death attorney. Bender was arrested in Ackerman, located about 80 miles (129 kilometers) north of Meridian, according to a post shared on social media by police there. Officer Kennis Croom responded at about 5:30 p.m. Thursday to a disturbance call on 51st Avenue in Meridian. Becoming cloudy with occasional rain late. We encourage anyone with information to call the Sheriff's Department or call Crimstoppers at 855-485-8477.". You'll receive email updates from HRC. LAKE COUNTY, IL. The Lauderdale County Sheriffs Department identified Virginia Jay at a news conference. White lived in the vicinity of the shooting. His family is well-known and respected in the area. (THECOUNT) CJ Harris, a former American Idol contestant who, TUSCALOOSA COUNTY, AL. Keri Hensley/USA TODAY NETWORK, Arrests made in connection to shooting death of 12-year-old boy, wounding of 16-year-old, Motion filed to dismiss charges in toddler Jurayah Smith's death in Mississippi, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. It is crucial that you have the dedicated help of an attorney on your side during these difficult times. Sadly, Stephenss death marks the 16th known murder of a transgender or non-binary person this year. Well have additional information when it becomes available. Discovery Company. Woman shot and stabbed to death in Meridian, Community Foundation names new executive director, Reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley report to prison. Authorities said sometime between 9:30 p.m. Monday and noon Tuesday, Tucker killed Jay, who was his grandmother; along with his wife, son and mother-in-law. One person is dead and another charged with murder in an incident that happened Tuesday night in Meridian. The vehicles involved in the accident were badly damaged as a result. The chief said that's when Burks shot the victim, left her body in the bank's parking lot, stole her car and then dumped it at an apartment complex in Marion. Please do not hesitate to contact an accident attorney in Meridian at (888) 484-1476 for more information on how we can assist you. Tanelius Burks was denied bond and held his head down inside of the courtroom. The case remained cold for nearly 20 years until the arrest of James K. Polk. As a reverend, Lee used his pulpit as a way to reach others about the importance of voting. WTOK . Police shoot and kill a man allegedly trying to enter a patrol vehicle near an Alabama school. LAUDERDALE COUNTY, MS. (THECOUNT) Dante Bender has been identified as the suspect in a double-murder involving Meridian police officer Kennis Croom Thursday night in Lauderdale County. The Meridian Police Department said it's not releasing the name of the victim at the family's request. It's too early in the investigation to speak on the cause. Meridian police officer from Tuscaloosa shot and killed in the line of duty. 100% of every HRC merchandise purchase fuels the fight for equality. "Officer Croom died a hero in the line of duty, serving and protecting the city of Meridian (Thursday) evening.". Although yesterday was his day off he chose to come in and serve, which he was known to do regularly.. The investigation into the circumstances of the collision continues. Disclaimer. In the summer of 1964, the three men were working to register black voters in Mississippi. 8. A Mississippi police officer killed in the line of duty Thursday was from Alabama. SHARE. He last seen Thursday afternoon in Meridian, where Officer Kennis Croom was fatally wounded while on duty. The woman in the passenger vehicle was tragically pronounced dead at the scene due to severe injuries. By using this site, you agree to our use of cookies. I want to compel all of the citizens of Meridian to speak to your children we realize the criminal element thats going on within this city, age is dropping, said Interim Police Chief Charles Coleman. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Fifteen years after the murder, new evidence was obtained but the murderer has still not been caught. ", JPD: Arrests made in connection to shooting death of 12-year-old boy, wounding of 16-year-old, Previously: Motion filed to dismiss charges in toddler Jurayah Smith's death in Mississippi. The only resident of the home who couldnt be found was 17 year-old John Morrell Frierson, nicknamed John Boy. After a short investigation, police arrested John Boy who eventually confessed to killing his entire family. It happened around 1:00 p.m. Coroner Clayton Cobler says the 22-year-old. MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) -Police in Meridian say a young woman was murdered Friday morning. Want more news from WTOK 11 in your inbox? Alaska State Troopers said they received the report of the attack at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday in Wales, on the western tip of the Seward Peninsula, KTUU reported. A male victim was treated at Anderson's Regional Hospital and released, Sollie said. by Updated: Jun 10, 2022 / 05:23 PM CDT. The Meridian police officer has been identified as Kennis Croom, a Tuscaloosa native. The county seat is Meridian. The Mississippi Highway . 22, 2022, at 2248 44th Avenue. If you have suffered from these enormous losses, you may have questions that only a dedicated Meridian truck accident lawyer can answer. Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department Agent Dan Boyd, left, and Investigator Joseph Mathis review surveillance video Friday at a Whippoorwill Road business, looking for leads in a homicide Thursday night homicide on the road, just off Highway 19 North. Jones appeared to have a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene. The legs were ultimately discovered by a hunter who reported his findings to police. (WTOK) - The suspect who allegedly shot and killed a woman at an ATM Monday in Meridian made his first appearance in court Tuesday afternoon. Eventually, with the help of a private investigator, several were charged with the murders of the Sherrys. He is the definition of a true hero and his legacy will go on, she said. No further details have been released. Dried blood still stained the road Friday in the 8500 block of Whippoorwill Road, where the shooting occurred. Geo quick facts: Lauderdale County is a county located on the eastern border of the U.S. state of Mississippi. All Rights Reserved. We use various news organizations, newspaper articles, police accident reports, police blotters, social media platforms, as well as, first-hand eyewitness accounts about accidents that happen in and around Northern Mississippi. Seen alive just ninety minutes before, authorities werent exactly sure of what had happened but they did know one thing, it was horrific. Police have charged Tanelius Burks, 18, with capital murder. Of the 44 known transgender and non-binary people who have been known victims of fatal violence since January 2017, 28 (64 percent) were killed in the South. MERIDIAN, Miss. It happened around 1:45 a.m. on Highway 16 near Highway 397. . Croom was pronounced dead at a hospital. and others - in and near the Highway 494 Meridian, MS area at Foreclosure.com. Justyne Hulboj, 27, and Lena Czepczor, four, suffered fatal injuries in the . After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships, working for The Royal Obsession and Anatomie clothing. Woman who killed two Bay St . . The Meridian police officer has been identified as Kennis Croom, a Tuscaloosa native. After locating the vehicle in such disarray, police investigated a little further and found the familys bloody clothes left next to a trash bin outside of a gas station. Police have not yet identified any suspects. Police say the deadly shooting happened around 4:30a.m. HRC Mourns Diamond Stephens, a Black Transgender Woman Killed in Mississippi, HRC Honors the Life of Diamond Jackson-McDonald, Black Transgender Woman Killed in Philadelphia, HRC Mourns Daniel Aston, Beloved Son & Master of Silly Business, Killed in Club Q Shooting, HRC Mourns Kelly Loving, Loving Friend & Caring Person, Killed in Club Q Shooting. Meridian police report that Stephens body was found with a gunshot wound in the back of her head and suspect that one or two other individuals may have been present in the vehicle when she was shot. For reasons still not known, Ouida murdered her mother and chopped her body into pieces. (THECOUNT) Hayden Travis Eller, of Ferguson, North Carolina, has been ide, WALKER COUNTY, AL. A police officer in Mississippi was killed Thursday responding to a domestic disturbance call that left a woman dead, according to Meridian police Chief Deborah Young. Meridian, MS (October 27, 2022) - One person lost their lives in a fatal accident that occurred in Neshoba County. MERIDIAN, Miss. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. Any time a life is lost its tragic. Coroner Clayton Cobler, confirms that the third person died after being airlifted UUMC in Jackson . MERIDIAN, Miss. Authorities did not disclose specifics other than to say they were investigating an officer-involved shooting. 2. All Rights Reserved. Thank you! Meridian police are investigating a Friday afternoon fatal shooting. Two people were shot in a residential area on Whippoorwill Road, just yards from Highway 19 North, Lauderdale County Sheriff Billy Sollie said. (AP) A 90-year-old woman was among the victims of a quadruple slaying in Mississippi, police said Wednesday. The sheriff's department received a call about the shootings at 10:45 p.m. Thursday. The woman died at a local hospital. Ouida pleaded insanity but was still charged with the murder. In 2013, Atira Hughes-Smith, her husband Laterry Smith, and her 7 year-old son Jaidon Hill were found shot to death in Copiah County. As a result of this minute act, he was kidnapped by two white men who beat and shot him. According to Lauderdale County officials, the accident happened in the northbound lanes of Highway 19 around the area of Cricket Road. You have permission to edit this article. Ruffin leaves behind three children under the age of four. As is too often the case in the reporting of anti-transgender violence, Stephens was originally -- and continues to be -- misgendered in local police statements and media reports, which delayed our awareness of this deadly incident. Interim Police Chief Charles Coleman said surveillance video at the bank shows the victim tried to get Burks to drop the gun. Daisys legs have since been buried in the McNeil cemetery. This sad turn of events inspired the movie Mississippi Burning.. The Mississippi Highway Patrol reported that the wreck occurred on Highway 19 North near the House community. We will do our best to remove it as soon as possible. Our attorneys can assist you along the often problematic path toward compensation for a wide array of aspects. All rights reserved. Copyright 2022 mamajustice. After being released, Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner were abducted and subsequently murdered by the KKK. Low 57F. (AP) A 90-year-old woman was among the victims of a quadruple slaying in Mississippi, police said Wednesday. According to local media, family members said that Stephens was driving home to get ready for work when she was killed. In 1997, the body of 39 year-old Kathy Mabry was found in a vacant home. The information in this post is not intended to be medical or legal advice. In September of 1990, the Pearl River County Sheriffs Department received a call requesting a welfare check on the Frierson family who lived in the small town of Nicholson. Police. In the pursuit of greater accuracy and respect, HRC offers guidelines for journalists and others who report on transgender people. One person was killed early Thursday morning in a car accident in Kemper County. In the years since, shes had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as Parents & Kids Magazine and Girl Meets Strong. Police knew something was amiss when the familys car was found flipped and on fire. Community Foundation names new executive director, Reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley report to prison, Shelby County woman using power of social media to help reunite storm survivors with their missing memories, First Alert: Severe risk possible Wednesday night, MSU Riley Center announces spring/summer season. The shooting happened around 1 p.m. on the 2200 block of 19th Ave., police said. (THECOUNT) Surveillance video caught on a Ring Doorbell Camera Shows, SIOUX COUNTY, IA. (THECOUNT) Cameron Wright has been identified as the suspect arrested in, WILKES COUNTY, NC. The facts and information utilized to create these posts were collected and gathered through the use of secondary sources. Jack says Ruffin was shot and stabbed multiple times by Stevens. Meridian, MS (December 10, 2021) At 9:17 p.m. on the night of Thursday, December 9, a woman was killed in a fatal log truck in Meridian. He was full of passion, joy and dedication. Bender is believed to be driving a black 2004 Nissan Armada bearing license plate IMANI, the MBI said in a press release on Tuesday night. He also informed police that he had seen Ouida in the area earlier in the day. Burks is being held without bond and is expected to reappear in court on Thursday. Police said they received the call around. Her identity has not been released. Two people were shot in a residential area on. Officials stated the incident occurred between a car ad a motorcycle for reasons still under investigation. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Officer Kennis Croom, who was working on a day off, was the first emergency responder to arrive at the scene and soon after advised there were shots being fired, the chief told reporters Friday. Sports. In December of 2014, 19 year-old Jessica Lane Chambers was found by first responders engulfed in flames walking down a Courtland road not far from her vehicle which was also engulfed in flames. To learn more about HRCs transgender justice work, visit hrc.org/Transgender. Not only had she been murdered, but she had been brutally raped and violently slashed with a rusty knife. Dante Marquez Bender, 31, is wanted in connection with the deaths of a police officer and a woman found at the scene of a shooting June 9, 2022, on 51st Avenue in Meridian, Mississippi. Sheriff's Department personnel were still on the scene Friday, reviewing security camera video at a Whippoorwill Road business. Due to the severity of the accident, several lanes of traffic were blocked in the area for an extended period of time. on or near the 29th Avenue bridge. 2023 Cable News Network. Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for the past 25 years. This is in connection with the death of an elderly woman who was found dead Apr. Our accident attorneys at MW Law Firm Mama Justice are here to help you move forward after you have lost someone you love in a truck accident. Listed below are 10 infamous crimes that have taken place in the state. Anyone with possible information on the case should contact 911. The shooting happened on the 29th Avenue interchange in Meridian, MPD Det. (THECOUNT) Ronnie Goggans Jr., of Grayslake, Illinois, and Ricky Smallwood, FRESNO COUNTY, CA. (Jesse Jarrold-Grapes/The Gadsden Times via AP). Which infamous homicide would you add to the list? Officer Kennis Croom lost his life doing what he loved, serving this community, Young said. After searching the other rooms in the house, police found the bodies of two of the Friersons relatives Joshua A. Morrell and Pamela Ann Howard. Police are searching for 31-year-old Bender after officials say he shot a pregnant woman dead and then killed responding officer Croom, a Tuscaloosa native. All victims had died due to gunshot wounds. HRC mourns the loss of Diamond Stephens, a 39-year-old Black transgender woman who was shot to death June 18 in Meridian, Mississippi. 8:24 PM EDT, Fri June 10, 2022. ", With deep sadness, we mourn the line of duty death of Officer Kennis Croom, of the Meridian MS Police Department, brother of TCEMA Deputy Director Tamara Croom. The Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department Friday identified the victim of a fatal shooting Thursday night as Christa Maria White, 31, of Meridian. Kimberlys body was riddled with 9 gunshot wounds. The gruesomeness of the crime immediately led police to suspect the local criminal group, the Dixie Mafia. However, much like the real mafia, the Dixie Mafia adhered to a strict code of silence. At least 27 were victims of gun violence, while 84 percent were people of color. Memphis Uber / Lyft / Rideshare Accident Lawyer, Ridgeland, Mississippi Wrongful Death Lawyer, Ridgeland, Mississippi Car Accident Lawyer, Wrongful Death Lawyers In Southaven, Mississippi, Workers Compensation Lawyers In Southaven, Mississippi, Truck Accident Lawyers In Southaven, Mississippi, Rideshare Accident Lawyers In Southaven, Mississippi, Premises Liability Accident Lawyers In Southaven, Mississippi, Pedestrian Accident Lawyers In Southaven, Mississippi, Motorcycle Accident Lawyers In Southaven, Mississippi, Mass Tort Lawyers In Southaven, Mississippi, Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers In Southaven, Mississippi, Starkville Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys, Hamilton Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys, Huntsville, Alabama Wrongful Death Lawyers, Huntsville, AL Rideshare Accident Attorneys, Huntsville, AL Premises Liability Attorneys, Huntsville, AL Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers, Hiring a Lawyer after a Greenville, Mississippi 18-wheeler accident, Greenville Premises Liability Accident Lawyer, Hattiesburg Truck 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer, Hattiesburg Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer, Meridian, MS Injury Accident Reported on I-20 near MS 145, Jackson, MS Teenager Seriously Hurt in Crash on I-59 near Moselle Rd, Jackson, MS Byron Perry, 18, Killed in Auto Accident on Loring Rd, Jackson, MS Khanh Van Duong, 56, Dogs Killed in House Fire on Hwy 29 N, Hattiesburg, MS Serious Auto Accident on W 4th St near Century Park North, Oxford, MS Victims Injured in Car Accident Near Chick-Fil-A on Jackson Ave, Oxford, MS Major Car Accident With Injuries on Hwy 30 Near Molly Barr Rd, Brandon, MS Car Crash at MS-43 & Harbor Ln Intersection, Southaven, MS EMTs Assist Car Accident Victims at MS-302 & Airways Blvd. Police are searching for 31-year-old Bender after officials say he shot a pregnant woman dead and then killed responding officer Croom, a . "Initial reports indicate that a polar . Copyright 2021 WTOK. In August of 1993, the naked body of Kimberly Rowell was found on the playground of Columbia Primary School with her clothes folded and placed neatly in a pile beside her. A pregnant woman was also killed. "We don't believe this was a random act," Chief Deputy Ward Calhoun said late Friday afternoon. Croom was the first to arrive at the scene after shots were fired. Officials gather outside Walnut Park Elementary School in Gadsden, Ala., following a fatal police shooting on Thursday, June 9, 2022. All rights reserved. MERIDIAN A man suspected of killing a Mississippi police officer who was responding to a call about domestic violence has been arrested, authorities said Friday. Disclaimer:We, at MW Law Firm Mama Justice, have worked hard to become valued members of the Northern Mississippi business community. We write these posts to bring awareness to the dangers of driving in hopes that our fellow community members will use an abundance of caution when operating a motor vehicle. Press Releases. In the late 1980s Judge Vincent Sherry and his wife Margaret were found murdered in their home. Despite police efforts, the investigation came to a halt. Officer Kennis Croom was working on a day off, something the chief said was not unusual for him to do. Live Newscast. His sacrifice will not be forgotten, Tuscaloosa police said. If you know Powe's location, contact the Meridian Police Department at 601-485-1893 or Crime Stoppers at 855-485-8477. MERIDIAN, Miss. Love Mississippi? The photographs used in this post are not taken at the actual accident scene. 29-year-old James Dennis Stevens was arrested shortly after the incident. Croom also was theson of ex-Tuscaloosa City Clerk Tracy Croom. There are a lot of family members and relatives in our community that are affected because of the events of yesterday, Calhoun said. If you see a crime being committed, do these things immediately, Do you know what to do if you see something bad happening? July 25, 2018, Post submitted by Mark Lee, former HRC Senior Content Manager. A male victim was found shot and . Officers discovered the body of Brittany Jones when they did a check on the home, Young said. Eventually, the only part of Daisy left was her legs, which Ouida disposed of by wrapping them in cloth and leaving them on the side of the road.