Mississippi Man Kills Six People in Rural Area
A 24-year-old Mississippi man killed six people — his father, brother, uncle, 7-year-old cousin, a church pastor and the pastor’s brother — at three locations during a Friday night rampage in a rural area, authorities said.
Daricka M. Moore was arrested at a police roadblock in Cedarbluff just before midnight after dozens of local, state and federal officers flooded the northeast Mississippi area.
Moore was being held without bail Saturday at the Clay County jail in West Point on murder charges and ahead of an expected initial appearance Monday before a judge.
Clay County District Attorney Scott Colom, who said he expects to pursue the death penalty, told The Associated Press that Moore would likely be appointed a public defender at that time.
Crime in The News
If charges are upgraded to capital murder before then, Moore will be ineligible for bail under state law.
Investigation and Arrest
Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott said at a Saturday news conference that evidence and witnesses indicate that Moore was the only shooter and no other injuries have been reported.
Investigators were continuing to interview Moore but do not currently know what may have motivated him, he added.
“A situation like this, you’ve got a family member attacking their own family,” Scott said. “Whatever the reason is, we’re hoping that we’ll find out.”
The Shootings
The shootings unfolded in an area of fields, woods and mostly modest homes about 125 miles northeast of Jackson.
Investigators believe Moore first killed his father, 67-year-old Glenn Moore, his brother, 33-year-old Quinton Moore and his uncle, 55-year-old Willie Ed Guines, at the family’s mobile home on a dirt road in western Clay County.
The sheriff said Moore then stole his brother’s truck and drove a few miles to a cousin’s house, where he forced his way in and attempted to commit sexual battery. Scott said Moore than put a gun to the head of a 7-year-old girl, whom he declined to identify, and fatally shot her.
“I don’t know what kind of motive you could have to kill a 7-year-old,” he said.
Other Incidents
The 85-page investigation found systemic issues in the district’s hiring practices, but didn’t find evidence that officials were aware of Caleb Elliott’s misconduct.
A 34-year-old man, Elvis Santos, is accused of trying to break into the museum and damaging several pieces.
Aftermath and Prosecution
Scott said Moore’s surviving relatives are overwhelmed with grief.
“It was really hard to have conversations other than prayers with everybody out there,” he said, adding, “this has really shaken our community.”
Colom, a Democrat who is seeking his party’s nomination this year to run against Republican U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde Smith, said he is confident that his office has the resources to prosecute Moore and pursuing the death penalty is the right thing to do.
“Six people, one night, several different scenes, it’s about as bad as it gets,” Colom said.
Conclusion
The shooting rampage in Mississippi has left a community in shock and grief. The investigation is ongoing, and the motive behind the shootings is still unknown. The prosecution will pursue the death penalty, and the community will come together to support the victims’ families.
FAQs
Q: Who was the perpetrator of the shooting rampage?
A: The perpetrator was 24-year-old Daricka M. Moore.
Q: How many people were killed in the shooting rampage?
A: Six people were killed, including Moore’s father, brother, uncle, 7-year-old cousin, a church pastor, and the pastor’s brother.
Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: The investigation is ongoing, and the motive behind the shootings is still unknown.
Q: What is the expected outcome of the prosecution?
A: The prosecution will pursue the death penalty.
