Crime
Victims killed in shooting at Starkville Quality Inn identified
Both victims were transported to OCH Regional Medical Center, where they succumbed to their injuries.
Starkville, MS — Two men were fatally shot Thursday morning in a violent altercation outside the Quality Inn, located at 403 MS-12.
The victims have been identified as Veshawn Williams, 25, of Columbus, and Robert Mayfield, 27, of Memphis.
According to the Starkville Police Department (SPD), the incident involved three individuals: a woman, her boyfriend, Williams, and her cousin, Mayfield.
Officials later confirmed that Williams was wanted by the Columbus Police Department on charges of kidnapping and aggravated assault. The woman’s identity has not been released.
Authorities received multiple 911 calls at 11:04 a.m. reporting a shooting at the Quality Inn.
Upon arrival, officers discovered two men suffering from gunshot wounds—one in the hotel parking lot and the other nearby at State Urgent Care.
Both victims were transported to OCH Regional Medical Center, where they succumbed to their injuries.
At a press conference, Sgt. Brandon Lovelady of the Starkville Police Department provided a timeline of events based on witness statements and security footage.
“At the time of the incident, all three individuals were inside a vehicle parked behind the Quality Inn,” Lovelady explained.
Williams, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle, exited and opened the front passenger door, where the woman was sitting.
Mayfield, who was driving, then got out and approached Williams on the passenger side, leading to a brief physical altercation between the three.
Mayfield then returned to the driver’s seat and attempted to drive away, leaving Williams outside the vehicle.
As the vehicle pulled away, Williams and Mayfield exchanged gunfire, with both sustaining fatal injuries.
Mayfield managed to drive to State Urgent Care, seeking medical assistance, while Williams remained behind the Quality Inn.
SPD confirmed that the woman involved was not injured during the shooting.
Authorities are working in coordination with the Columbus Police Department to establish a full timeline of events and determine how the individuals arrived in Starkville.
Sgt. Lovelady also addressed initial reports of an active shooter, clarifying that such rumors were false.
“Again, an argument escalated into gunfire,” Lovelady stated. “Initial reports suggested an active shooter situation, but those claims were later determined to be incorrect.”
The Starkville Police Department expressed gratitude for the cooperation of the community and the assistance of multiple agencies, including:
- State Urgent Care staff
- Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office
- Starkville Fire Department
- EMS personnel & 911 dispatchers
Authorities have not disclosed whether any charges will be filed, and the investigation remains ongoing. Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.