South MS deputy, woman die during exchange of gunfire at apartments
Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Jimerson and a woman have died after an exchange of gunfire Wednesday night at the Reserve at Gulf Hills apartment complex on Washington Avenue in St. Martin.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department announced the deputy’s death “with profound sorrow.” A news release said deputies were responding to a disturbance at the apartments when gunfire erupted. The woman, who was identified as 27-year-old Maley Elizabeth Ross, died at the scene.
Jimerson was rushed to Ocean Springs Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is handling the investigation.
An MBI news release Thursday morning said deputies were pursuing the subject later identified as Ross, who was armed with a pistol, on foot when gunfire was exchanged. No other deputies were injured. The deputy was wearing a body camera, the MBI’s news release said.
“MBI is currently assessing this critical incident and gathering evidence,” the MBI’s news release said. “Upon completing the investigation, agents will share their findings with the Attorney General’s Office.”
Jimerson started work with the sheriff’s department in 2010 as a reserve deputy and had been employed full time since 2014.
“Deputy Jimerson was a valued member of our law enforcement family and a trusted friend to many,” the news release said. “His loss is deeply felt across the department and the community he served. We extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family, friends, and the men and women of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.”
Sean Tindell, commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, addressed the loss Thursday.
“Deputy Jimerson is another example of the heroes that we have in law enforcement that take risks each and every day to serve our state and protect our communities,” Tindell said. “This is a senseless act of violence that resulted in the loss of another hero. My prayers are with the family and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.”
Govenor Tate Reeves also weighed in on the loss, saying the state of Mississippi “is mourning the loss” of the deputy.
“Deputy Jimerson was a hero who bravely sacrificed his life while protecting and serving others,” Reeves said. “Our entire state is praying for Deputy Jimerson’s family, friends and everyone at the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. We will never forget him.”
The Sun Herald will update this story when more information is available.
This story was originally published April 2, 2026 at 6:12 AM.
