Published: June 25, 2008 12:02 pm      

Hattiesburg Police Department apprehends suspects from Kimball Avenue Homicide

Hattiesburg — Hattiesburg police officers were at the Criminal Investigations offices of the Picayune Police Department on Tuesday escorting two of three suspects from Picayune wanted in connection with a homicide in Hattiesburg

Just after noon Tuesday, a number of Hattiesburg Police vehicles parked in front of the Criminal Investigations Building, which is in the city’s old city hall. Then officers lead the two individuals in handcuffs from their cars into the building.

According to a press release from the Hattiesburg Police Department, three Picayune residents are suspects and are in custody for their alleged roles in a homicide of Larry Blakely, 22, of 206 Kimball Ave. in Hattiesburg. The three suspects are Jerry Jones Jr., 22; Dewayne Bester, 23, and Justin Nixon, 20, all of Picayune.

The shooting reportedly occurred Monday at about 2:45 p.m. Hattiesburg Police responded to the 200 block of Kimball Avenue in reference to the report of a shooting, according to the release. Upon arrival, officers found Blakely lying unresponsive inside a residence. Blakely appeared to have suffered several gun shot wounds to his lower torso and abdomen, the release states. Witnesses reported seeing a black Chevrolet pick-up truck leaving that residence shortly after hearing the sound of gunfire. Officers immediately began combing the area for witnesses, suspects and the vehicle described. No other victims were identified.

Several leads lead Hattiesburg officers to identify and locate Jones and Nixon at residences in Picayune. Also found in Picayune was a vehicle, a black 1999 Chevrolet pickup, matching the description of the vehicle described at the scene of the shooting. Authorities seized the truck as evidence. Bester later surrendered himself to authorities in Hattiesburg.

Jones and Bester were charged with one count of murder. Nixon was charged with one count of accessory after the fact to murder. All three suspects are being held at the Forrest County Regional Jail.

“This was an unfortunate incident and nothing can be done to replace the value of a human life, but at least we can bring to justice those individuals who committed this horrible crime. We greatly appreciate all the assistance offered by the community, especially that of the Picayune Police Department. Their assistance in this investigation, without question, played a vital role in the apprehension of these suspects,” said Hattiesburg Police Public Information Officer Synarus Green in the release.

This is still an on going investigation and the police are asking anyone with additional information about this incident to report it to the authorities or call and give their information to the Metro Crime Stoppers at 601.582.STOP (7867), the release states.