Community leaders are speaking out following a deadly shooting Sunday evening at Southside Market that left one person dead and two others injured.
According to reporting by the Natchez Democrat, Natchez Police arrested Jamien Myles, 23, an employee of Southside Market, in connection with the incident. He has been charged with one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder.
Police said the shooting occurred around 7 p.m. Sunday at the grocery store on Seargent S. Prentiss Drive. One victim, Kenerick Wimley, 28, died after being transported to Merit Health Natchez. Two others, Keylan Wimley, 30, and Phillip Bradley, were airlifted to regional trauma centers for treatment. Their current conditions have not been publicly released.
According to the Natchez Democrat, Natchez Police Chief Lee Best said officers responding to the scene found one victim inside the store while learning two others had already been taken to the hospital by private vehicle. Investigators later located Myles inside the store and recovered a handgun.
Chief Best told the Natchez Democrat that investigators believe an altercation occurred inside the store before the shooting. He described the incident as “a senseless act that should never have happened” and said violence of this nature has lasting effects on victims, families and the broader community. Best also said investigators found no established connection between this incident and the double homicide that occurred on July 4 at JROC. He added that questions regarding any claim of self-defense would ultimately be determined through the judicial process.
In a statement posted to the City of Natchez Facebook page, Mayor Dan Gibson expressed sorrow over the violence and called for stronger action against violent crime.
“It’s been a sad evening tonight. My heart is heavy. Enough is enough,” the mayor wrote, adding that while thousands had gathered in Natchez over the holiday weekend without incident, acts of violence by a few continue to impact families and the community. He said community leaders must do everything possible to keep residents safe, called for the harshest penalties available for violent crime, and offered prayers for everyone affected.
Jamien Myles has been charged with murder and two counts of attempted murder. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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