One arrested, one wanted in MS Coast shooting that killed teen, police say

One suspect was arrested and another man is wanted in connection to a shooting Monday night in Gulfport that killed a teenager and injured several others, police said.

The shooting occurred about 9:15 p.m. Monday on Holly Circle near Cherry Court. Police said they found three people with gunshot wounds and that a fourth person had already gone to a hospital.

Paul Ravin Martin Jr., 23, was arrested on Tuesday and faces one count of first-degree murder, one count of shooting into a dwelling and three counts of aggravated assault.

Authorities identified one of the victims as 16-year-old Cobi Earnest. He had multiple gunshot wounds and died at a hospital.

The condition of the wounded victims was not immediately clear.

Police are searching for another suspect, identified as 53-year-old Kevin Eugene James. Gulfport Police Lt. Jason DuCré said James and Martin allegedly went to Holly Circle to “confront” the victims and fired “indiscriminately” at them.

DuCré said officers took Martin into custody a “short time” after the shooting.

James is wanted on one count of first-degree murder, one count of shooting into a dwelling and three counts of aggravated assault. Police said he is 5 feet 11 inches tall with black hair and brown eyes and “should be considered armed and dangerous.”

Martin is being held without bond in the Harrison County jail. Police said Martin is also a suspect in a drive-by shooting in November and had been released on bond before the shooting on Monday. DuCré said last year that Martin turned himself in after the drive-by shooting in the 5010 block of West Railroad Avenue.

Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to call the Gulfport Police Department at 228-868-5959 or Mississippi Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898.

This is a developing story and may be updated.

This story was originally published April 29, 2025 at 3:09 PM.