In West Point, Mississippi, tragedy struck as a 24-year-old man named Daricka M. Moore allegedly killed six people in a terrifying Friday night shooting spree. Victims included his father, brother, uncle, a 7-year-old cousin, a church pastor, and the pastor's brother.
Moore was apprehended just before midnight at a police roadblock in Cedarbluff as numerous local, state, and federal officers responded to the crisis in northeast Mississippi.
Currently held without bail at the Clay County jail, Moore faces murder charges, with District Attorney Scott Colom indicating he plans to seek the death penalty. Moore's court appearance is anticipated on Monday, where he is expected to be assigned a public defender.
According to Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott, evidence suggests that only Moore was involved in the shootings, and fortunately, no other injuries were reported. The authorities are still trying to understand the motive behind this horrifying act.
The series of shootings began at the family’s mobile home, where Moore reportedly first took the lives of his father, Glenn Moore, 67; brother Quinton Moore, 33; and uncle Willie Ed Guines, 55. Afterward, he allegedly stole his brother's vehicle and drove to a cousin's house, where he forced his way in, tragically resulting in the death of a 7-year-old girl.
“A situation like this, you’ve got a family member attacking their own family,” Sheriff Scott stated, emphasizing the shocking nature of the crime.
After the cousin's house, where he attempted further violence and threatened another child, Moore then proceeded to a local church. In what became a violent scene, he took the lives of the pastor, Barry Bradley, and his brother, Samuel Bradley, before leaving the church.
Details of the incidents have left the community in sorrow, with Sheriff Scott noting the difficulty in discussing the scenario with grieving family members. The Clay County District Attorney believes pursuing the death penalty is appropriate given the circumstances.
As investigations continue, the community mourns the significant losses and grapples with the motives behind such violent actions.
