Local Headlines

JPD: Man shot, killed after fight at apartment complex

By China Lee | August 8, 2020 at 4:45 PM CDT – Updated August 8 at 5:48 PM

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – The Jackson Police Department is investigating a deadly shooting that happened at an apartment complex.

Police say that shots were fired at the Sinclair Crossing Apartments on Bailey Ave just after 1 p.m.

The victim, 23-year-old Marquis Bell, was shot multiple times and succumbed to his injuries.

Police say Bell was sitting inside of a vehicle with R. Parker when the suspect, Landius Holmes, pulled into the complex and attacked Parker.

Bell went to assist Parker and was shot multiple times.

Holmes is still at large.

Suspects identified in shooting death of MHP trooper

By WLBT Digital | August 8, 2020 at 7:37 AM CDT – Updated August 8 at 5:11 PM

JEFFERSON CO., Miss. (WLBT) -Three suspects were taken into custody overnight in connection with the shooting death of Mississippi Highway Patrol Lt. Troy Morris.

Law enforcement has identified the suspects as 24-year-old Treyon Washington, 17-year-old Cdarrius Norman, and 25-year-old Damion Whittley.

Authorities said that Treyvon Washington was taken into custody in Jefferson County and has been charged with murder. He is being held in the Jefferson County Detention Facility with no bond.

Authorities stated Cdarrius Norman and Damion Whittley were apprehended in New Orleans, LA. The two have been charged with murder and are awaiting extradition to Mississippi.

“While we are pleased with the progress of this investigation, we realize there is much work left to be done,” said Colonel Randy Ginn. “The tireless efforts of law enforcement have been inspiring and the public outpouring of support and concern has touched us all and has shown Lieutenant Morris’ family that Mississippians truly care about the officers who protect them.”

“Again, I would like to start by saying that our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Lieutenant Troy Morris,” said Commissioner Sean Tindell. “I met with his family yesterday and assured them that we are working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners as we investigate his murder. The progress that has been made is a direct result of their hard work and dedication.”

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation said it received assistance from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Marshals Service, Louisiana State Police and several other agencies in the arrest of the suspects.

Coronavirus in Mississippi: 66,646 cases, 1,874 deaths reported by health dept.

By WLBT Digital | March 13, 2020 at 11:42 AM CDT – Updated August 8 at 9:10 AM

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – The number of presumed positive coronavirus cases in Mississippi is now at 66,646.

The Mississippi Department of Health confirmed 1,210 new cases and 26 new deaths Saturday.

So far, 1,874 people have died from COVID-19 in Mississippi.

The number of tests done in the state totals 509,612 as of August 7. This includes MSDH Public Health Laboratory tests and other providers.

An estimated 42,391 people have recovered from the virus.

Number of cases by county (through August 7):

Adams – 617; 25 deaths
Alcorn – 419; 5 deaths
Amite – 230; 6 deaths
Attala – 521; 25 deaths
Benton – 143
Bolivar – 1,108; 34 deaths
Calhoun – 417; 9 deaths
Carroll – 261; 11 deaths
Chickasaw – 459; 20 deaths
Choctaw – 133; 4 deaths
Claiborne – 404; 13 deaths
Clarke – 326; 25 deaths
Clay – 394; 13 deaths
Coahoma – 743; 12 deaths
Copiah – 950; 28 deaths
Covington – 612; 13 deaths
DeSoto – 3,632; 30 deaths
Forrest – 1,778; 56 deaths
Franklin – 124; 2 deaths
George – 559; 5 deaths
Greene – 241; 11 deaths
Grenada – 843; 21 deaths
Hancock – 388; 14 deaths
Harrison – 2,498; 35 deaths
Hinds – 5,599; 48 deaths
Holmes – 890; 48 deaths
Humphreys – 291; 11 deaths
Issaquena – 26; 1 death
Itawamba – 358; 10 deaths
Jackson – 2,269; 42 deaths
Jasper – 387; 9 deaths
Jefferson – 195; 7 deaths
Jefferson Davis – 231; 6 deaths
Jones – 1,885; 58 deaths
Kemper – 232; 14 deaths
Lafayette – 964; 16 deaths
Lamar – 1,202; 14 deaths
Lauderdale – 1,407; 92 deaths
Lawrence – 319; 7 deaths
Leake – 786; 25 deaths
Lee – 1,428; 39 deaths
Leflore – 925; 62 deaths
Lincoln – 809; 41 deaths
Lowndes – 1,074; 37 deaths
Madison – 2,414; 64 deaths
Marion – 657; 20 deaths
Marshall – 688; 9 deaths
Monroe – 778; 53 deaths
Montgomery – 321; 3 deaths
Neshoba – 1,285; 92 deaths
Newton – 542; 11 deaths
Noxubee – 453; 11 deaths
Oktibbeha – 1,118; 38 deaths
Panola – 1,054; 12 deaths
Pearl River – 540; 38 deaths
Perry – 232; 7 deaths
Pike – 928; 36 deaths
Pontotoc – 821; 8 deaths
Prentiss – 417; 10 deaths
Quitman – 262; 1 death
Rankin – 2,276; 32 deaths
Scott – 998; 20 deaths
Sharkey – 197; 5 deaths
Simpson – 795; 30 deaths
Smith – 404; 13 deaths
Stone – 194; 4 deaths
Sunflower – 1,024; 25 deaths
Tallahatchie – 530; 10 deaths
Tate – 720; 28 deaths
Tippah – 360; 13 deaths
Tishomingo – 409; 5 deaths
Tunica – 333; 7 deaths
Union – 627; 16 deaths
Walthall – 498; 19 deaths
Warren – 1,089; 32 deaths
Washington – 1,646; 41 deaths
Wayne – 764; 21 deaths
Webster – 228; 12 deaths
Wilkinson – 205; 13 deaths
Winston – 620; 16 deaths
Yalobusha – 313; 10 deaths
Yazoo – 829; 12 deaths

Mississippi Department of Health has a hotline open 24 hours, 7 days a week for any coronavirus-related questions: 877-978-6453.

Two suspects captured in shooting death of MHP trooper

By WLBT Digital | August 8, 2020 at 7:37 AM CDT – Updated August 8 at 11:44 AM

JEFFERSON CO., Miss. (WLBT) -Two suspects were taken into custody overnight in connection with the shooting death of Mississippi Highway Patrol Lt. Troy Morris.

Authorities say Lt. Morris was driving a mail truck for the postal service, and he had a flat tire. Between a radio transmission asking for assistance and when that assistance arrived, Lt. Morris was shot dead by an assailant as he sat in his truck on the side of U.S. 61 in Jefferson County.

Our reporter shared the suspected killers were captured in Louisiana.

An anonymous source also shared that Rankin County Deputy Wes Shivers confirmed the information via Facebook.

“Another great display of teamwork! It’s been a long 24 hours but case solved and all suspects in custody for the murder of our brother Troy Morris!”

Rankin Deputy Wes Shivers (Source: Anonymous)

School bus drivers prepare for coming school year with COVID-19 precautions

By Chelsey Sellars | August 7, 2020 at 11:30 PM CDT – Updated August 7 at 11:30 PM

CLINTON, Miss. (WLBT) – School buses will return to the streets next week as some students head back to class.

Transportation director Donny Gray explained the new seating rules for Clinton Public School buses. Before the coronavirus outbreak, each bus would hold 40 to 60 kids. But now, up to 24 kids will be allowed on each bus.

“There’s normally up to 3 to a seat. Smaller kids, it’s 3 to a seat. And that would allow one on a seat. Everybody will have their own seat,” said Gray.

He said children must wear a mask before getting on the bus, or the driver will hand them one. After quickly sanitizing, they will walk toward the back of the bus and sit by the tape.

Windows will also be cracked open to allow the air to circulate.

“We are expecting the parents to do their due diligence and are making sure that they do the check with them. The checkup to make sure they have no symptoms coming on the bus,” said Gray.

If a bus route has more than 24 children, Gray said the department will make changes.

“I can add more routes in there. That’s the way I’m gonna do it. I’m going to add routes where the number is 24 in order to to absorb the difference,” said Gray.

He said the buses will be cleaned four times a day by the drivers and third-party cleaners. He expects at least 90 percent of his drivers to come back to work.

For this plan to truly work, Gray hopes parents will teach their kids proper safety rules.

“We are in this together and we want them to be safe… That way they know already — they understand the rules and explain it to them before they get on the bus,” said Gray.

The first bus ride will start August 13th.

Free COVID-19 testing offered for Delta hotspot

By Roslyn Anderson | August 7, 2020 at 11:12 PM CDT – Updated August 8 at 6:35 PM

LEXINGTON, Miss. (WLBT) – State medical officials are taking the fight against the coronavirus to one of the hardest hit areas of the Delta.

They are asking residents living in and around Lexington to find out their status to help them gather data to combat the spread.

Friday was day one of two days of free COVID-19 testing for all Lexington residents.

Those living in the city and in surrounding areas are urged to participate in the tests which will give the State Department of Health more insight into the transmission as they conduct investigations into cases and contact tracing.

Tests are being offered at the Lexington Public Library and the old Fred’s Pharmacy on Yazoo Street.

“A lot of folks are dying and we need to test, so we can try to get rid of the virus,” said Lexington resident Virginia Odomes.

The respiratory virus has impacted her loved ones.

“One of my best friends, they’re burying her tomorrow,” said Odomes. “She passed last week or week before last, and then I’ve got a couple of nieces that had it.”

“I haven’t known nobody to have it, but I just want to get tested,” said Ivery K. Walden who was also tested.

“We’re hoping that we can learn from this and do it in other communities throughout the state if it’s an effective way to suppress the coronavirus,” said State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs.

The state medical expert was in Lexington during Friday’s testings. He said Holmes County has consistently been within the top 10 cases per capita.

“We want to test you, and we’re also offering free antibody testing which has not been offered before anywhere,” said Dobbs. “So at least not in Mississippi. So come by, get tested for coronavirus. There’s not much wait at all.”

Saturday testing continues at both locations from 8:30 a.m. through 3 p.m.

Trooper shot, killed in Jefferson Co.; $108K reward offered for suspect

JEFFERSON CO., Miss. (WLBT) – Mississippi Highway Patrol Lt. Troy Morris, badge number M-1 out of the Brookhaven district, wasn’t doing anything different around 4 a.m. Friday morning than he has almost every day since around 2004.

Authorities say “Rudy,” as he was known by his friends, was driving a mail truck for the postal service, and he had a flat tire. Between a radio transmission asking for assistance and when that assistance arrived, Lt. Morris was shot dead by an assailant as he sat in his truck on the side of U.S. 61 in Jefferson County.

According to law enforcement sources, Morris was able to return fire

Morris was a 27-year veteran with MHP and had worked for the postal service for 16 years. When it came to investigate his case, federal authorities availed.

“Troy Morris was acting as a highway contractor transporting U.S. Mail, and was killed during the official acts of his duties, which brings him into federal jurisdiction,” said Postal Inspector Tony Robinson.

MHP Trooper Lt. Troy Morris pictured right. He was shot and killed while on his second job as a mail carrier on Highway 61 around 4 a.m. . Picture source Morris family. pic.twitter.com/rAYJvpMaiF

— David Kenney (@WLBT_DKenney) August 7, 2020

Morris’s fellow troopers spoke of his big smile, his kind heart, and the fact that you couldn’t stay in a bad mood around him. They spoke of him as a good man, a good friend, and a hard worker.

The suspect remains on the run. Jefferson and Adams County Sheriff’s Offices, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Mississippi Highway Patrol and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are all investigating the case.

“This is a sad day for law enforcement, the Mississippi Highway Patrol, and the State of Mississippi. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Lieutenant Troy Morris. Local, state, and federal agents will work tirelessly to ensure justice,” said MBI Commissioner Sean Tindell.

The postal service and Mississippi Crime Stoppers offering a $108,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest.

“This is an individual who was consistently here for over 16 years, day in, day out, moving the mail to make sure it’s delivered between post offices and processing,” said Robinson. “And this speaks to his dedication to public service.”

If you know anything, call US Postal Service Tip line at 1-877-876-2455 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-827-4637.

SEC releases updated 2020 football schedule

By Jacob Gallant | August 7, 2020 at 5:28 PM CDT – Updated August 7 at 5:28 PM

(WLBT) – The Southeastern Conference announced its 2020 football schedule Friday.

The conference switched to a 10-game schedule with only conference games to limit travel as COVID-19 continues to spread.

That means each school was given two additional conference games to round out their full schedule.

Ole Miss added Kentucky (away) and South Carolina (home) to their schedule.

Meanwhile, Mississippi State added a home game with Vanderbilt and an away game with Georgia to their schedule.

The schedule does not include dates yet. Those will be released at a later time.

Police threaten to close road to Elton Swamp once 20 campers enter, owner says

By WLBT Digital | August 7, 2020 at 2:34 PM CDT – Updated August 7 at 3:01 PM

HINDS CO., Miss. (WLBT) – Police have threatened to shut down an access road to Elton Swamp, says owner Matt Gordon.

Authorities will do this, Gordon stated, once 20 campers have entered the 744-acre property.

According to our reporter on the scene, potential campers were not happy with the news.

Earlier this week, Mayor Lumumba signed an executive order closing off bars to indoor guests and limiting social gatherings to 10 people indoors and 20 people outdoors.

Lumumba’s executive order will last until 11:50 p.m. on August 11.

Street renamed in honor of late Charles Evers

Top Story

By Jacob Gallant | August 7, 2020 at 2:40 PM CDT – Updated August 7 at 2:40 PM

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Pecan Park Circle in Jackson is now named Charles Evers Circle.

The street was renamed in honor of the late Evers, who died last month at the age of 97.

City leaders, family, friends and former colleagues at WMPR radio were in attendance for the unveiling of the new sign Friday.

Local Headlines

Footer

Public File Info