Man killed; suspect arrested
A man is dead following a shooting in the parking lot at Dollar General in Mt. Pleasant, according to sheriff Kenny Dickerson.
The incident took place Sunday, Oct. 31, around 2 p.m. At 133 Taska Road.
Dickerson said a person on the scene called to report the shooting to 911. Shortly afterward, Dickerson and his deputies and investigators, plus medical personnel, arrived to find the victim lying in the parking lot in front of the store in apparent critical condition.
He was airlifted via Air Wings to Regional One Health Medical Center in Memphis, Tenn., where he later died at about 6:30 p.m., the sheriff said.
Investigators gathered factual evidence at the scene after the suspect fled in the victim’s vehicle at a high rate of speed, driving north toward Highway 72 and eventually wrecking at Highway 311 and 72, the sheriff said.
The suspect then fled on foot to Mt. Pleasant Road and soon after was arrested by deputy Kevin Reynolds and deputy Larry Rankins.
James Earl Dortch Jr., 26, of the 100 block of Jordan Road in Byhalia, was taken back to the scene, then later booked at the jail Sunday at about 3:40 p.m. Dortch was charged with capital murder and made an initial appearance Monday morning, Nov. 1, Dickerson said. He is being held without bond.
Dortch had recently been released from the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
The victim, Avis Terrell Jones, 58, of Lee Creek Road near the Cayce Road community, had just weeks before returned from California to care for his aging parents, Dickerson said.
The blue 2006 Chevrolet vehicle driven by the victim was towed to the jail, and it awaits a forensic examination for any evidence that may assist in the investigation. A weapon used by the suspect has not been recovered.
Dickerson praised his team of investigators, including LaDaryl Odum, Kelly McMillen, Perry Pipkin, Charles Powell and Rick Preciado, and deputies Rankins, Reynolds, Steve Gurley, Brian Rodgers and Garrett Harris, who assisted in the investigation.
“While all officers did a superb job, I especially commend Reynolds and Rankins for the pursuit and arrest of a dangerous individual,” the sheriff said.
“And I thank several witnesses present at the scene. They were very alert and witnessing and relaying factual information to officers. Without help the apprehension and arrest could have been delayed. I appreciate their help in helping solve this very heinous crime.”
Dickerson said video surveillance footage taken from inside the store provided some very clear images of this shooting.
Anyone who has information regarding this crime and another shooting incident Monday outside Slayden Travel Center on Highway 72 is asked to call and leave tips with investigators at 662-2521311.
Callers may remain anonymous and the information provided will be kept in strict confidence.