Coroner IDs man accused of attempting to cause explosion at South MS courthouse
North Carolina man with a criminal history has been identified as the man shot and killed by officers after he allegedly attempted to cause an explosion south of the Jackson County Courthouse on Thursday.
David Ray Wyrick, 59, of Eden, North Carolina, died of multiple gunshot wounds, according to Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd Jr. Wyrick pulled a gun on Jackson County law enforcement officers, according to the initial report from the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.
Authorities said Wyrick was in a stolen truck when he drove through a fence on Magnolia Street, then continued behind the Emergency Management Agency office, where he allegedly attempted to cause an explosion using a propane tank.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and Pascagoula police responded to the scene.
According to a report from the Miami Herald, Wyrick had previously been involved in an incident with authorities in South Florida. In February 2025, Wyrick was accused of stabbing a Monroe County deputy in the face and trying to grab his sidearm as officers tried to subdue him.
Wyrick was booked into the Monroe County jail on charges of attempted manslaughter, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, battery on a law enforcement officer, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and resisting arrest with violence.
