McComb Police on Friday charged Willie J. Wilkinson Jr. with second-degree murder for the Wednesday night shooting death of his 10-year-old cousin Ja’Darrius Wilkinson.
Police would not elaborate on what took place prior to the shooting, but Chief Scott McKenzie said he does not believe it was accidental.
“I think accident is the worst word we could possibly use. It’s a tragic incident that should have never happened,” McKenzie said. “Between evidence, what we’ve been told and witness testimonies, that’s where we came up with the charge.”
Authorities responded to a call Wednesday at 201 McComb St. where they found Ja’Darius dead from a single gunshot wound to the head.
Wilkinson was charged at the scene with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, but officers added the charge to possession of a stolen handgun.
Wilkinson was charged in 2014 with third-degree arson of a vehicle.
In a press release, Detective Sid Boyte said officers responded to a call in McComb Tuesday where William Hughes reported a stolen handgun. Officers determined the stolen gun description matched the one used at the crime scene.
Wilkinson is in Pike County Jail on $1.1 million bond.
Judge Danny Smith scheduled Wilkinson’s arraignment for Monday.
McKenzie said the incident is still under investigation.
“The investigation doesn’t stop just because charges have been made,” he said.
Wilkinson did not have an attorney at his bond hearing and McKenzie said he never asked for one during the investigation.
