Man and woman arrested, victim identified in hit-and-run that killed MS Coast pedestrian

Two people were arrested this week in connection to a hit-and-run in November that killed a pedestrian in Gulfport, police said.

Authorities rushed at 9 p.m. Nov. 2 to Broad Avenue and 13th Street and found a man with life-threatening injuries, Gulfport Police said in a news release on Wednesday.

Kenith Ray Smith, 46, was arrested Wednesday and faces one count of hit and run causing death. Barbara Ann Cooper, 48, was arrested Tuesday and faces one count of accessory after the fact.

Harrison County Coroner Brian Switzer identified the victim as Isaiah Ashley, 27, of Gulfport. Authorities said he was taken to Memorial Hospital, where he died in the emergency room.

Detectives believe Smith was the driver and left without trying to save Ashley. Cooper allegedly knew of the crash but did not report it to authorities, police said.

A jail docket shows Smith was released from the Harrison County jail on Wednesday on a $250,000 bond. Cooper was also released Wednesday on a $150,000 bond, according to the docket.

Ashley was the oldest of many siblings and was a talented rap artist, according to his obituary.

“He was a protector and role model,” the obituary says, “always ready with a smile and a heart full of love for those closest to him.”

Gulfport Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Gulfport Police Department at 228-868-5959 or Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898.

This story was originally published December 18, 2024 at 3:20 PM.