Suspect arrested after killing father, invading nearby home, South MS sheriff says

A man was arrested Thursday on suspicion of stabbing his father to death and invading a nearby home in the St. Andrews community of Jackson County, Sheriff John Ledbetter said.

Authorities said a suspect, 49-year-old Gerald Joseph Tooker, was arrested at his father’s home in the 1200 block of Main Street. He is suspected of stabbing his father, 73-year-old Gerald Fay Tooker, the sheriff said.

The suspect later invaded a nearby home, according to the sheriff. More details on the home invasion were not immediately clear but the sheriff said no one was hurt.

The suspect, Gerald Joseph Tooker, has a history with law enforcement and will face a first-degree murder charge. Ledbetter confirmed the suspect had been previously arrested at his father’s home on Sept. 24. But the sheriff said he was unsure what offense the warrant was for.

Investigators remained at the scene Thursday afternoon. Authorities did not immediately release more information.

This is a developing story and will be updated. Sun Herald reporter Margaret Baker contributed.

This story was originally published October 2, 2025 at 1:35 PM.