Last fall, the HRC Foundation and the Trans People of Color Coalition released a comprehensive report detailing this tragic epidemic that made 2017 the deadliest year on record for transgender people. "Officer Croom served his community with bravery and selflessness. HRC mourns the loss of Diamond Stephens, a 39-year-old Black transgender woman who was shot to death June 18 in Meridian, Mississippi. Officer Kennis Croom was working on a day off, something the chief said was not unusual for him to do. Officer Croom served his community with bravery and selflessness. Contact Us. 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. One person was killed early Thursday morning in a car accident in Kemper County. Young expressed her condolences to the families of both victims of the shooting, and called her colleague, Croom, a hero. 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. MERIDIAN, Miss. Officer Kennis Croom lost his life doing what he loved, serving this community, Young said. Seen alive just ninety minutes before, authorities werent exactly sure of what had happened but they did know one thing, it was horrific. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. Overcast. ", 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. After her death in 1973, Ouida was buried next to her mother. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. All rights reserved. Get information on foreclosure homes for rent, how to buy foreclosures on . Police say the deadly shooting happened around 4:30a.m. Meridian, a city of more than 40,000, isabout 95mileswest of Tuscaloosa. All victims had died due to gunshot wounds. Copyright 2020 WLBT. A Warner Bros. Two people were shot in a residential area on. The information in this post is not intended to be medical or legal advice. 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. Croom was shot and killed while responding to a domestic situation Thursday afternoon. The shooting happened around 1 p.m. on the 2200 block of 19th Ave., police said. ", 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. Justyne Hulboj, 27, and Lena Czepczor, four, suffered fatal injuries in the . Croom was pronounced dead at a hospital. Ouida then disposed of her mothers remains by burning them in the fireplace and flushing them down the toilet. . The Human Rights Campaign uses cookies to improve your site experience. 1 man killed, another injured following drive-by shooting in Walthall Co. First Alert Forecast: warm, windy Wednesday ahead of late storm risk, Dozens gather for crime and safety meeting in the Fondren community, Request a First Alert Weather School Visit. "We don't believe this was a random act," Chief Deputy Ward Calhoun said late Friday afternoon. appreciated. Police have named a mother and her four-year-old daughter who were killed when they were hit by a car in rush hour. Kennis Croom, 30, worked with the Jackson Police Department previously and was honored by Tuscaloosa police in a statement shared on social media. Tanelius Burks was denied bond and held his head down inside of the courtroom. And while the murders alone were shocking, the manner in which the couple was murdered was even more shocking each was shot in the head four times. This whole incident is tragic and senseless. Ouida pleaded insanity but was still charged with the murder. This means that, in the midst of an accident, they tend to lead to some of the most severe results. At the hospital, Dawson was found to have suffered severe injuries, including a skull fracture . Live Events. 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. (Jesse Jarrold-Grapes/The Gadsden Times via AP). MERIDIAN, Miss. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 406 Galleria Dr., Suite 7 Oxford, MS 38655, 5100 Poplar Ave., Suite 2700 Memphis, TN 38137. 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. Police say the deadly shooting happened around 4:30a.m. To learn more about HRCs transgender justice work, visit hrc.org/Transgender. Low 57F. Photo Date: June 9, 2022. His sacrifice will not be forgotten, Tuscaloosa police said. After the mysterious death of her husband John Monroe Keeton, Daisy and her daughter Ouida chose to move from McNeill to Laurel. Police knew something was amiss when the familys car was found flipped and on fire. Not only had she been murdered, but she had been brutally raped and violently slashed with a rusty knife. His. Matthew Tucker later died of what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound after leading police on a chase. A pregnant woman was also killed. We would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased victim at this time. Jones appeared to have a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene. Ruffin leaves behind three children under the age of four. As a reverend, Lee used his pulpit as a way to reach others about the importance of voting. The Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department Friday identified the victim of a fatal shooting Thursday night as Christa Maria White, 31, of Meridian. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much 29-year-old James Dennis Stevens was arrested shortly after the incident. (THECOUNT) Cameron Wright has been identified as the suspect arrested in, WILKES COUNTY, NC. Despite police efforts, the investigation came to a halt. Police have formally charged a Meridian woman with murder in connection with a November 2020 domestic dispute. The Meridian police officer has been identified as Kennis Croom, a Tuscaloosa native. MERIDIAN, Miss A former police officer suspected of killing a Mississippi police officer who was responding to a call about domestic violence has been . The woman died at a local hospital. It happened around 1:00 p.m. Coroner Clayton Cobler says the 22-year-old. Police are searching for 31-year-old Bender after officials say he shot a pregnant woman dead and then killed responding officer Croom, a . Losing somebody you love in a truck accident might be one of the most challenging things that you have ever endured. The sheriff's department received a call about the shootings at 10:45 p.m. Thursday. Please do not hesitate to contact an accident attorney in Meridian at (888) 484-1476 for more information on how we can assist you. As a result of this minute act, he was kidnapped by two white men who beat and shot him. Sadly, Stephenss death marks the 16th known murder of a transgender or non-binary person this year. "Initial reports indicate that a polar . In 1997, the body of 39 year-old Kathy Mabry was found in a vacant home. Scene in Meridian, Mississippi. His family is well-known and respected in the area. HRC Staff Areas of patchy fog early. The Mississippi Highway Patrol reported that the wreck occurred on Highway 19 North near the House community. Community. Lt. Rita Jack with the Meridian Police Department says the victim has been identified as Clarissa Ruffin, 22. "Officer Croom died a hero in the line of duty, serving and protecting the city of Meridian (Thursday) evening.". His sacrifice will not be forgotten. Authorities did not disclose specifics other than to say they were investigating an officer-involved shooting. Croom also was theson of ex-Tuscaloosa City Clerk Tracy Croom. 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. Our attorneys can assist you along the often problematic path toward compensation for a wide array of aspects. 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. WTOK . 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. According to Lauderdale County officials, the accident happened in the northbound lanes of Highway 19 around the area of Cricket Road. Meridian police are investigating a Friday afternoon fatal shooting. (WTOK) - The Meridian Police Department said a grandmother is dead after her boyfriend stabbed her multiple times on Wednesday night. Listed below are 10 infamous crimes that have taken place in the state. Police say the public helped with the arrest that took place at nearby Old Marion Road Apartments. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Police say 42-year-old Michael Portis is charged with the murder of his 37-year-old. Jul 25 2022. . Careers. (THECOUNT) Paige Rydalch, of Stockton, Utah, has been identified as the, MS Police Officer Kennis Croom Shot Dead Along With Pregnant Woman Thursday Night In Meridian, Jason Alexander Arrested After Crashing Britneys Wedding, TN Harvest Church Leaders IDd As Victims in Tuesday TX Quadruple-Fatal Plane Crash, IL Teen Aidan Wilda IDd As Victim In Monday Joliet Fatal Motorcycle Crash, ND Man Jeremiah Medenwald IDd As Victim In Monday Night Wahpeton Fatal Vehicle Shooting, NY Man Jim Potter IDd As Victim In Monday Pulaski Fatal UTV Crash, GA Man Chad Huff IDd As Victim In Monday Night Clarkesville Fatal Vehicle Crash. Dante Marquez Bender was captured in Ackerman, Mississippi, on June 10, 2022. This murder still remains unsolved. Jones was Bender's fiance, WTOK-TV in Meridian reported. Press Releases. 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. The teenager, under the influence of drugs at the time, claimed to have committed the murders because he was mad at the world since Ray Frierson wouldnt allow him to go raccoon hunting. Credit: Michael Bishop. Police shoot and kill a man allegedly trying to enter a patrol vehicle near an Alabama school. In the pursuit of greater accuracy and respect, HRC offers guidelines for journalists and others who report on transgender people. by Officers discovered the body of Brittany Jones when they did a check on the home, Young said. "We have received numerous tips with information about the incident. Interim Police Chief Charles Coleman said surveillance video at the bank shows the victim tried to get Burks to drop the gun. I-20 westbound reopens after multiple car wrecks in Meridian . Woman who killed two Bay St . The facts and information utilized to create these posts were collected and gathered through the use of secondary sources. 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. (THECOUNT) Emma Nibbelink, of Luverne, Minnesota, has been identified as t, LOWNDES COUNTY, MS. (THECOUNT) Summer Michelle Yearby, of Columbus, Mississippi, has been id, LAFAYETTE PARISH, LA. Copyright 2021 WTOK. Live Newscast. Croom had been with the Meridian Police . Did you encounter any technical issues? Weather. This sad turn of events inspired the movie Mississippi Burning.. Thunder possible. Sheriffs officials identified the other victims as Beverly Kaiser Fulton, 64; April Fulton Tucker, 39; and Bryce Fisher Tucker, 14, WTOK-TV reported. The Tuscaloosa County Emergency Management Agency also posted about Croom on Twitter: "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. All Rights Reserved. The misgendering of transgender individuals is indicative of anti-transgender bias and discrimination too often seen from law enforcement, media reporting and our highest elected officials. Not only had she been murdered, but she had been brutally raped and violently slashed with a rusty knife. Croom was shot when he responded to a reported domestic violence situation at a home on 51st Avenue in Meridian. (THECOUNT) Stacy Bourque, of Rayne, Louisiana, has been identified as, STARK COUNTY, OH. A church prayer service was scheduled late Wednesday for the families of the victims. (WTOK) - Three men were shot to death at a home in the 2000 block of 17th Street in Meridian Tuesday afternoon, according to authorities. Paramedics, fire crews, and numerous other responders were called to the scene to help those in need. MERIDIANA man suspected of killing a Mississippi police officer who was responding to a call about domestic violence has been arrested, authorities said Friday. Police. News. Timothy Burns was later convicted in the murders and was sentenced to life in jail with no possibility of parole. 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. Meridian Officer Kennis Croom was shot to death about 5:30 p.m. while responding to a domestic violence call in . The loss of a loved one in a truck accident might be one of the most difficult things that you have ever endured. 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. 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. Two people were shot in a residential area on Whippoorwill Road, just yards from Highway 19 North, Lauderdale County Sheriff Billy Sollie said. Woman killed in Whippoorwill Road shooting identified, By Randall Hammons rhammons@themeridianstar.com, ALERT: I-20 shutdown, multi-vehicle accidents, Meridian holds off Brandon in second half, Suspect charged in Whippoorwill Road shooting death, STEPHENSON, Shirley Jul 27, 1933 - Jan 15, 2023, EDWARDS, Linda Jul 11, 1950 - Jan 5, 2023, Freeman embraces retirement after 36 years with the LCSD, MSU-Meridian names Master of Physician Assistant class, Carter Foundation founder keynote speaker for MLK Day. A pregnant woman was also killed. Meridian police officer from Tuscaloosa shot and killed in the line of duty. Authorities say a man who tried to enter an Alabama elementary school where a summer program was being held was shot to death by police. A woman was shot to death before the officer, said Lauderdale Coroner Clayton Cobler, but officials didn't immediately release her name or details of her death. Chance of rain 90%. 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