Downtown Ocean Springs mourns loss of beloved rooster. ‘He was absolutely fabulous.’

Carl wasn’t just any rooster.

When he first appeared in downtown Ocean Springs as a small chick in May 2020, his feathers hadn’t yet grown in. But downtown merchants soon took the bird in as part of the family.

“Carl didn’t really have (a flock), so we became his people and his flock that he visited every day and checked in on,” said Christina Jackson, shop manager at Twisted Anchor Tattoo & Gallery on Government Street.

Jackson was there when Carl first showed up, and would give him his water every day at noon.

“He stayed on a schedule that he ran on everyday,” she said. “If I didn’t fill up his water as soon as I got there, he would yell at me through the door and stare until I would fill up his water. It always made me laugh.”

Carl was known to hang out on the front porch at Twisted Anchor, and would often sleep there.

On Wednesday, wreaths and flower arrangements sat on the steps up to the tattoo shop. Drawings of Carl are taped in the front window.

The stoop that was Carl’s home is where he was taken in the middle of the night last week before he would be killed and dumped in Biloxi, leaving a Coast community devastated and searching for answers.

‘Every time you were downtown, there was Carl.’

For those that knew and cared for Carl, also known as Carl 2.0 or Carl Jr., he was a loved pet akin to a dog or a cat.

“Every time you were downtown, there was Carl,” said Carrie Adams, who has lived in Ocean Springs for over 40 years. “If we came down knowing we were gonna see him, we would bring crushed corn … he was absolutely fabulous. He would fall asleep on my feet.”

Adams is one of many who have grieved over Carl’s death. She is one of many who brought flowers and statues to Carl’s memorial at Twisted Anchor.

Down the street at Lil’ Market, local artist Cali Rob is working on a mural to honor the beloved downtown mascot..

“Carl wasn’t just a rooster — he was like a friend,” Rob said. “When I found out what happened, I knew I wanted to do something to show my love and appreciation, not just for Carl but for the community.”

The mural will be painted at one of Carl’s favorite places to hang out and eat. Rob is making the mural for free.

Immediately following Carl’s death, Jackson and many local businesses worked with Ocean Springs police to identify suspects in Carl’s killing. Kendra Shaffer, an ex-Mississippi corrections officer, has been charged with animal cruelty and was fired from her job in Jones County. Her first court date is scheduled for Mary 25.

Police are still working to identify the men seen with Shaffer in surveillance video from Carl’s taking. More charges are expected.

Jackson and others in downtown say they won’t stop fighting for justice.

“Carl was a pillar of our community that brought people together despite their differences,” Jackson said.

A second-line funeral is currently being scheduled for Carl and will be held in the near future.

This story was originally published May 3, 2022 at 9:17 AM.