Moss Point orders curfew for youth after recent gun violence ends in 2 deaths
In the aftermath of recent violent crimes in Moss Point, Mayor Mario King announced Monday an emergency order for curfew for all minors that will go in effect at 8 p.m. tonight.
The curfew — in effect over the next five days pending any further extensions — prohibits any minors under the age of 18 from being out between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
That means parents, legals guardians and foster parents need to ensure their minors are adhering to the emergency order or face the following repercussions, King said:
- First-offense violation — $300 fine
- Second offense — $500 fine
- Third offense — Over $500 fine plus possible jail time.
The news comes on the heels of an armed home invasion Sunday night that resulted in the death of one of the alleged intruders.
While King said he couldn’t say the incident Sunday involved minors, he said there is still a lot of violent crimes and deaths of minors in Moss Point and elsewhere, and it needs to stop.
“Our children, our Black children especially, are dying in our community,” King said. “If this isn’t a wake-up call for parents, our teachers, our community leaders, then that is a problem.”
Homeowner shoots, kills armed man in home invasion
In the armed home invasion Sunday, a homeowner reportedly shot and killed one of the two armed suspects trying to force their way inside his home, Moss Point Police Chief Brandon Ashley said in a release.
“The homeowner shot the suspect multiple times to protect himself after he had been shot,” the release said.
It happened around 6:30 p.m. Sunday near Mills Avenue, the release said. Police went to scene after receiving a 911 call about shots fired in the area.
Police later determined armed intruders had “targeted” home, the release said.
One of the two intruders opened fire, injuring the homeowner, police said, though he was able to return fire.
The suspect who was shot was found dead in the middle of the road, the release said.
The homeowner suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital, where he was treated for his wound and released.
The names of the suspects, including the man who died, have not been released.
Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd Jr. said the body has been sent to the state Crime Lab in Jackson for autopsy. In addition, he said, officials are running his fingerprints to try to confirm his identity since no forms of identification were found with the body.
So far, the homeowner is not facing any criminal charges. Ultimately, a Jackson County grand jury will hear evidence in the case to determine if any criminal wrongdoing occurred or whether the victim simply acted in self-defense.
A capital murder and youth gun violence
The armed home invasion is the latest in a series of violent crimes that have plagued the River City for years, with many involving more and more young people.
Just a week ago, Moss Point police began a search for 15-year-old Korey Camron Monroe, identified as a suspect in the shooting death of Caleb Gabriel Lett.
Police have since arrested Monroe as an adult on a capital murder charge.
The death of 18-year-old Lett left yet another Coast community in mourning.
The teen had been shot to death in what police described as a suspected armed robbery near Woodlawn Avenue shortly after 8 p.m. Jan. 18.
Monroe is believed to be among two people involved in the armed robbery and killing.
Community remembers Mr. Moss Point High School
In the aftermath of Lett’s killing, the Moss Point community came together for a candlelight vigil in his honor.
Lett has been a top student at Moss Point High School and had earned the respect of his fellow students and peers.
In fact, he had served as a member of the school’s student government group, was elected Mr. Moss Point High School, and the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce had honored him as a Future Business Leader of America.
In his obituary, Lett’s family remembered him for his “tenacious and ambitious spirit.”
He had also been a member of the National Honor Society, the high school’s robotics teams and had been a member of the band, among other things.
At the time of Lett’s death, he was pursuing a degree in in computer engineering at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. He attended church at St. Peter The Apostle’s Catholic Church in Pascagoula, where he served as a lector member of the choir and was an altar server.
“Anyone who knew Caleb Gabriel knew that his personality was much like his name,” his family said in his obituary. “He was faithful and devoted, bold and brave, headstrong and, at times, a bit of a knucklehead. Above all, he was full of so so much love and sincerity that apiece of him is left in every heart he has touched.”
To report information on criminal activity, call the Moss Point Police Department at 228-475-1711 or Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898.
This story was originally published January 25, 2021 at 12:17 PM.
