A 14-year-old boy died Sunday afternoon after he was shot on a street corner in East McComb, marking the city’s first homicide of the year.
The shooting occurred around 1:45 p.m. at the intersection of South Chestnut Street and Avenue B, where police found Ke’Jaylen Cook lying in the street and a single shell casing.
Cook was shot in the chest and taken to Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center, where he died.
Police believe the shooter may have been in a vehicle and they stopped two people riding in a car matching the description of a vehicle that was seen in the area around the time of the shooting.
No one has been charged in connection with the incident, but Chief Detective David Cullom said the two people they stopped both had outstanding warrants and were booked into the Pike County jail.
Police Chief Earnest Perry said Sunday night that the department is “committed to doing everything in our power to combat this violence."
"Just last week, we hired three new officers, and we will continue to strengthen our force,” he said. “However, this fight cannot be won alone. I am pleading with each of you — parents, community members, and leaders — to join us in this effort.
The McComb School District in a statement Monday morning offered its sympathies to the boy’s family and classmates.
“This is a heartbreaking moment for our district, and our thoughts remain with all who are mourning,” district officials said. “We stand in solidarity with the family, the students, the staff and everyone impacted by this tragedy.”
Perry urged people with information about the shooting to “speak up, to reach out and to take action.”
"We must come together to ensure the safety of our children. It is vital that we foster an environment where our youth can thrive, free from the fear of violence,” he said. “Together, we can hold those responsible accountable and work towards a future where no parent has to endure the pain of losing a child to gun violence. Let us honor the memory of this young boy by committing to a safer community for all our children. It is time to stand united and protect our babies."
