Two people, including a juvenile, have been apprehended in connection with a drive-by shooting at a Lowndes County apartment complex, according to the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to a report of a drive-by gunshot at Greentree Apartments, 500 Greentree Drive, around 1 p.m. on Tuesday, according to the sheriff’s office.
Detectives found that an AR-15-style semi-automatic rifle fired roughly 12 bullets, and they discovered 12 expended cartridge casings at the scene. The suspects fled the scene in a black Dodge Challenger shortly following the shooting, according to the sheriff’s office.
Detectives generated leads identifying individuals responsible after reviewing surveillance footage, conducting witness interviews, and gathering forensic evidence at the location, according to the sheriff’s office.
On Tuesday, investigators detained Jacory Smart, 18, in connection with the shooting. After consulting with the district attorney’s office and reviewing the evidence, Smart was charged with attempted murder on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, investigators detained a 16-year-old juvenile suspect for his alleged involvement in the shooting. Following a review of the case, the juvenile was charged as an adult under Mississippi Senate Bill 2710, which allows some minors accused of severe offenses involving firearms to face adult court. The sheriff’s office believes this is the first case in Lowndes County in which a minor has been charged as an adult under the new law.
“This case should serve as a reminder to parents and guardians to have serious conversations with their children about the consequences of carrying or using firearms during the commission of a violent crime,” Sheriff Eddie Hawkins said. “Under Mississippi Senate Bill 2710, juveniles who commit certain violent offenses while using a firearm can now be prosecuted as adults. One poor decision can have life-changing consequences for both the offender and the victim.”
The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges or arrests may be forthcoming.
Anyone with information about the event is invited to call Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers at 1-800-530-7151 or make an anonymous tip using the P3 Tips mobile app. Information leading to an arrest may qualify for a cash reward.
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