WEST POINT, Miss. — A 24-year-old man, Daricka M. Moore, was arrested late Friday night following a shooting spree in rural Mississippi that left six people dead. Victims included his father, brother, uncle, a 7-year-old cousin, as well as a local church pastor and the pastor's brother, all murdered in a shocking outbreak of violence.
Moore was taken into custody just before midnight during a police operation in Cedarbluff, roughly 125 miles northeast of Jackson. Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott confirmed that Moore was the sole shooter, with no additional injuries reported.
Authorities have charged Moore with multiple counts of murder and he is being held without bail at the Clay County jail. Scott Colom, the district attorney, stated that he expects to pursue the death penalty against Moore, depending on the outcomes of ongoing investigations.
Preliminary reports suggest the rampage began at Moore's family mobile home, where he reportedly killed three relatives before driving to a cousin’s residence. Witnesses indicate that during this leg of the spree, Moore attempted to commit sexual battery and killed a 7-year-old girl present.
Further distressing accounts suggest Moore may have threatened another young child with a firearm, according to the sheriff, raising significant concerns about the heinous nature of these acts.
Following the incidents at family homes, Moore allegedly drove to a small church where he broke in, killing the pastor, Rev. Barry Bradley, and his brother, Samuel Bradley, before stealing one of their vehicles.
Moore was captured at a police roadblock after fleeing the scene of his final crime. Investigators have stated that they have yet to determine what motivated these violent acts that have devastated the small community. As the investigation continues, many are coming to grips with the monumental loss and trauma that has befallen their neighborhoods and families.
Moore was taken into custody just before midnight during a police operation in Cedarbluff, roughly 125 miles northeast of Jackson. Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott confirmed that Moore was the sole shooter, with no additional injuries reported.
Authorities have charged Moore with multiple counts of murder and he is being held without bail at the Clay County jail. Scott Colom, the district attorney, stated that he expects to pursue the death penalty against Moore, depending on the outcomes of ongoing investigations.
Preliminary reports suggest the rampage began at Moore's family mobile home, where he reportedly killed three relatives before driving to a cousin’s residence. Witnesses indicate that during this leg of the spree, Moore attempted to commit sexual battery and killed a 7-year-old girl present.
Further distressing accounts suggest Moore may have threatened another young child with a firearm, according to the sheriff, raising significant concerns about the heinous nature of these acts.
Following the incidents at family homes, Moore allegedly drove to a small church where he broke in, killing the pastor, Rev. Barry Bradley, and his brother, Samuel Bradley, before stealing one of their vehicles.
Moore was captured at a police roadblock after fleeing the scene of his final crime. Investigators have stated that they have yet to determine what motivated these violent acts that have devastated the small community. As the investigation continues, many are coming to grips with the monumental loss and trauma that has befallen their neighborhoods and families.
