Gulfport police seek person of interest in shooting death

Gulfport police are looking for a man in the June 8 shooting death of Stanton Saunders.

Sgt. Damon McDaniel said Juwan Rashard Johnson, 18, is wanted on a charge of murder in Saunders’ death.

Saunders was shot about 11:30 a.m. June 8 near 34th Avenue and Ganges Street.

McDaniel said Saunders was found with gunshot wounds to the upper torso and died at a hospital.

Upon further investigation, McDaniel said, it was determined that Saunders was involved in a fight with Johnson near Kentucky Avenue south of Martin L. King Jr. Boulevard. During the fight, Johnson pulled out a handgun and shot Saunders multiple times, McDaniel said.

Saunders’ was one of two shooting deaths in Gulfport in 13 hours earlier this month. Chavis Allen died of a gunshot wound to the chest. Desean Perkins, 19, was arrested in that killing.

There have been six homicides so far this year in Gulfport. Police said in most cases the victims knew their killers.

Anyone with any information regarding Johnson’s whereabouts can call the Gulfport police at 228-868-5959 or Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898. You can also text CSTIP plus your message to 274637(CRIMES).

This story was originally published June 22, 2016 at 12:29 PM with the headline "Gulfport police seek person of interest in shooting death."