Live Video Captures Assault
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 you a password reset link.
Ja’Kyah Telford remains on the run. This picture is from an earlier arrest.
WATER VALLEY — A violent incident that unfolded during a Facebook Live broadcast Saturday evening and quickly spread across social media has resulted in an aggravated assault arrest warrant for an 18-year-old Coffeeville woman.
The charge comes after Ja’Kyah Telford, 18, allegedly intentionally struck a pedestrian with a vehicle while broadcasting live on Facebook, according to Police Chief Jason Mangrum. Telford remained on the run at press time Tuesday evening, and Mangrum has reached out to the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force for assistance in taking her into custody.
Police also pursued a lead at a Grenada motel after receiving a tip that she was staying there, but she had reportedly left shortly before officers arrived.
“We also received information that she was going to turn herself in Monday, but she failed to show up,” Mangrum added.
The victim, Angel Green, 45, suffered an open compound fracture to her leg and other serious injuries. She was airlifted to North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo and is in stable condition.
The attack occurred on Green’s birthday.
Mangrum said his department obtained the aggravated assault warrant after reviewing the Facebook Live video and examining physical evidence collected at the scene.
The case remains under investigation. If the investigation reveals additional evidence, the charge could change as appropriate, Mangrum explained.
The chief also said he has been in constant contact with Assistant District Attorney Marvell Gordon during the investigation. He said any additional charges would ultimately be determined through the judicial process and, if appropriate, presented to a grand jury. Other charges could include attempted murder or leaving the scene of an accident with major injuries.
“It’s really going to be up to the district attorney’s office and the grand jury,” he said.
According to Mangrum, investigators interviewed between eight and 12 eyewitnesses who were gathered outside a nearby residence and saw the attack.
Based on witness statements and the police investigation, Mangrum said officers believe the vehicle was traveling on Mills Road when the driver saw Green walking on East Court Street, made an abrupt turn and accelerated toward her.
Witnesses told investigators the vehicle struck Green and remained on top of her briefly while the driver continued spinning the tires before pulling away, Mangrum said. Investigators believe those accounts are consistent with the Facebook Live video, witness statements and other evidence collected during the investigation.
Asked whether the widely circulated Facebook Live video captured the actual moment Green was struck, Mangrum said he had no doubt.
“One hundred percent,” he said. “Watching the video, gathering witness statements from those who saw it — one hundred percent.”
Mangrum said Green remained conscious and was talking before she was flown by helicopter to Tupelo.
The chief said the case has presented unique challenges because of the Facebook Live broadcast that spread across social media within minutes.
Although some original posts have since been removed, the video continues to circulate through reposts and screen recordings.
“Because it has become so public, when they start going viral and being shared on Facebook, it makes it difficult,” Mangrum said.
At the same time, he said, the public attention has generated valuable information for investigators.
“A lot of people are sending us what we already know,” Mangrum said. “But we’re thankful they’re sending it. We may not have caught everything. We’re still very appreciative of anybody sending any tips.”
Mangrum said investigators are still working to determine what led to the incident, and the motive remains unclear.
“There are a couple of various things going on,” Mangrum said. “But honestly I don’t know whether we’ll ever know the true motive.”
Anyone with information about Telford’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Water Valley Police Department or local law enforcement.
