Teen Charged In Thursday’s Homicide
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send your username and password to you.
Ja’Quin Telford surrendered to authorities Monday night.
WATER VALLEY – A 17 year-old Water Valley resident has been charged with first degree murder following a fatal shooting in the city on Sept. 14.
Water Valley Police Chief Jason Mangrum reported Ja’Quin Telford surrendered to authorities Monday night. Officers had been searching for the suspect after an arrest warrant was issued after the shooting.
“We spread the word that it would be better for him if he would come in and talk to us,” Mangrum told the Herald. “We received confirmation Monday night that he was coming to the police department and he arrived a short time later.”
Telford’s arrest comes after a 20 year-old Water Valley man was shot inside a residence in the 900 block of Stephens Street. Mangrum reported officers were dispatched to the shooting at 11:26 p.m. on Sept. 14 discovered the victim deceased.
Yalobusha County Coroner Ronnie Stark told the Herald that Jarion Jones, age 20, was pronounced dead at the scene from multiple gun shot wounds. Jones was a 2022 graduate of Water Valley High School.
Mangrum reported the homicide investigation remains active as work continues to confirm the motive in the shooting. Mangrum also said the suspect has been cooperative. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) and Yalobusha County Sheriff’s Department assisted in the investigation.
“There are several different stories about the catalyst for this incident and we are working to piece that information together,” the chief added.
Officers are also investigating a drive-by shooting reported Sunday night, Sept. 17, at 12:44 a.m. The chief reported both victims were inside a vehicle that was struck by gunfire from an occupant in another vehicle on South Street near Blackmur Drive. The 19 year-old driver and a four year-old child were transported to Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford for treatment. The 19 year-old was treated and released. The four-year-old was transported from Oxford to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis. No arrests have been made in the drive-by shooting.
“We are looking in to the possibility that the shootings are related, but we don’t want to have tunnel vision on that theory,” Mangrum told the Herald. “It has been reported that the drive-by shooting was a possible retaliation for the earlier shooting. At this point we do not have confirmation of that, but I would stress that retaliatory action is not the way to handle a problem. Please come to us and let the justice system run its course.”
Mangrum reported officers have logged long hours over the weekend and into the week on the cases. A strong presence of law enforcement officers was also visible at Friday night’s football game in Water Valley, a precautionary measure according to the chief.
Funeral arrangements for Jones were incomplete at presstime. Walker Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements. The victim’s aunt, Christy Lott, established a fundraiser on gofundme to help raise money for the funeral.
“This was very unexpected and our hearts are torn apart,” she shared. “He loved to write music and dance and spend time with his six other siblings.”
