Police Investigate Murder, Seek Tips From Public
Capt. Roger Thomas prepares to take a photograph of one of several spots in the crime scene marked with plastic photo evidence numbers.
Police Chief Mike King discusses the homicide scene with Officer Chris Blair, Officer Steve Story, and Deputy Ryan Winters. In the background is Emergency Responder Judy Rogers. Carey Shantell McCollins, 31, was apparently shot Tuesday, March 2 at a residence on West Lee Street just west of the Suggs Street intersection. – Photos by Jack Gurner
Crimestoppers Offers Cash Reward
By Jack Gurner
Reporter
WATER VALLEY – Police are investigating the death of Carey Shantell McCollins, 31, who was apparently shot Tuesday, March 2. The incident occurred at a residence on West Lee Street just west of the Suggs Street intersection.
Emergency Medical Techni-cians were called to the scene of the shooting just before 10 p.m. As police arrived, they reported that they had one man down at the Lee Street address.
Officer Chris Blair rolled yellow police tape around the yard of the home as Officer Steve Story and Sheriff’s Department deputies searched near the back door for shell casings from a small caliber weapon.
Police Chief Mike King and Captain Roger Thomas examined the back of the house and Thomas marked several spots in the crime scene with plastic photo evidence numbers.
Officers worked into the early morning hours talking with residents of the area.
Deputy Coroner Debbie Jackson reported that the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was sent to Jackson on Thursday for an autopsy.
The homicide is the second in the city in less than three months. C. Columbus (Jimmy) Buford was killed Dec. 15 at his home on Calhoun Street. That investigation is ongoing, according to Chief King.
King told the Herald Monday that there is no evidence that the two crimes are related.
Monday afternoon a resident of the West Lee Street area who didn’t want to be identified told the Herald, “ I didn’t see nothing. I didn’t hear nothing. The people who killed him would kill me, too.”
A law enforcement official said that information is needed to solve these crimes and anyone who can help is urged to call Police at 473-2933 or Yalobusha County CrimeStoppers at 1-866-933-TIPS or 473-4935. Tips can also be sent by email to: TIPS@YalobushaCounty.net.
CrimeStoppers callers are never required to reveal their identity nor testify in court.
Lt. Rick McCuan reported the following additional law enforcement activity within the Water Valley City limits during the past week:
• Made two arrests for possession of marijuana;
• Made an arrest for driving under suspension;
• Made an arrest for simple domestic assault;
• Made an arrest for possession of a controlled substance;
• Made an arrest for disorderly conduct;
• Took two reports of simple assault;
• Took a report of burglary at the Southern Kitchen which took place sometime March 4 or March 5;
• Took a report of a missing person;
• Took a report of trespassing;
• Issued a citation for violation of the city dog ordinance;
• Issued 15 traffic citations.
