Mississippi

Why were flags across Mississippi flying at half-staff on Jan. 12?

By Sun Herald staff report
A flag flies at half-staff outside administrative buildings in Lucedale on Jan. 5, in honor of Jeremy Malone, an officer with the George County Sheriff’s Department that was killed on Thursday.
A flag flies at half-staff outside administrative buildings in Lucedale on Jan. 5, in honor of Jeremy Malone, an officer with the George County Sheriff’s Department that was killed on Thursday. Hannah Ruhoff Sun Herald

JANUARY 12

Flags across Mississippi are flying at half-staff Jan. 12 as the state honors George County Deputy Jeremy Malone.

Malone was shot and killed Jan. 4 after he pulled over Rickey Labaron Powell for a tag violation. According to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, the shooting happened around 5:15 p.m. in the parking of a Dollar General store on Mississippi 98, near the intersection of Brushy Creek Road in the Rocky Creek community. Malone was shot as he approached the vehicle.

Jeremy Malone
Jeremy Malone George County Sheriff's Department

Malone had just gone on duty about 45 minutes before his killing, newly-elected Sheriff Mitchell Mixon said last Friday. The sheriff never thought for a minute that would be the last time he saw Malone alive.

“We were looking forward to working together,” Mixon said. “He was excited. He just loved law enforcement. Other than his wife and three daughters, this would be the next love he had.”

Flags across the state will fly at half-staff until sunset Friday, under an order from Gov. Tate Reeves.

The proclomation, signed by Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves, in honor of George County Deputy Jeremy Malone.
The proclomation, signed by Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves, in honor of George County Deputy Jeremy Malone. State of Mississippi

This story was originally published January 12, 2024 at 4:00 AM.

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