Two people were killed in a pair of shootings Sunday in Attala County, and authorities now say their primary suspect is also dead.
According to officials, the first shooting occurred around 1 p.m. on County Road 1107, where a man was found shot to death in the roadway. The victim, identified as 67-year-old Tim Lawrence, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Roughly two hours later and less than four miles away, Attala County deputies responded to another shooting on County Road 1141. There, they discovered a wrecked vehicle with the driver suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim, 46-year-old Jeffery Mellett Jr., was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
Authorities identified 41-year-old Christopher Hughes as the suspect. Multiple law enforcement agencies quickly launched a manhunt, setting up checkpoints across the area while the Mississippi Highway Patrol deployed a helicopter and drone. A search warrant was also executed at Hughes’ home, but the residence was found empty.
Shortly thereafter, gunfire was reported at a nearby home. Authorities say Hughes attempted to break in, prompting the homeowner to open fire and strike him. Hughes was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
A motive has not yet been released.