Shooting leaves Coast teen dead. Homicide investigation underway, police say

Gautier Police are investigating after officers found a teenager dead from a gunshot wound Monday morning.

Officers responded to Tally Court and Wellington Drive at 6:42 a.m. after a report of a “person down,” Gautier Police Chief David Bever said in a news release.

Police identified the victim as Kadarius Williams, 18, of Gautier.

Bever said Williams’ body was found near the road on a vacant lot.

Police are investigating Williams’ death as a homicide. Bever said the case “appears to be isolated, and there is no known threat to the general public.”

Police are asking anyone with information related to the case to call the Gautier Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at (228) 497-2486. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Mississippi Crime Stoppers by using the P3 Tips mobile app or by calling 1-877-787-5898.

This story was originally published May 19, 2025 at 2:42 PM.