Crime
1 Killed, 2 Injured After Shooting Outside Jack and Florence Goldin Sportsplex in Gulfport
Gulfport, MS – Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred during a church-sponsored community gathering in Gulfport on Saturday afternoon, resulting in one fatality and two injuries.
The incident, described by officials as stemming from a “domestic dispute gone wrong,” took place shortly after 2:05 p.m. outside the Jack and Florence Goldin Sportsplex, where Empowerment Ministries Christian Center was hosting an outdoor event.
According to preliminary reports, a young woman invited the father of her child to the gathering so he could spend time with their baby.
However, the situation quickly escalated when the father reportedly attempted to leave with the child without consent.
Alarmed by the unfolding tension, two church members — both part of the ministry’s security team — stepped in to defuse the situation and protect those present, including a number of children.
One of the church members noticed the man holding the baby while also armed with a firearm, raising immediate concern.
As the men approached and words were exchanged, the baby’s father backed away and suddenly opened fire, striking one of the church members, a deacon and head of the church’s security team, who fell to the ground.
The gunman then allegedly shot the deacon a second time while he was down. Despite his injuries, the deacon managed to return fire, reportedly striking the shooter.
The second church member was also wounded in the gunfire.
The suspect then attempted to flee the scene with the baby still in his arms.
Witnesses reported that the man tripped and fell, possibly due to his sagging pants, causing both the baby and firearm to fall to the ground.
He quickly recovered, got into a vehicle driven by his own father, and fled the area.
Authorities later located the individuals at Garden Park, where emergency responders were dispatched.
Tragically, the deacon succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The second church member was airlifted to Mobile, Alabama, with life-threatening injuries, while another individual was transported via ambulance to a local hospital.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that three individuals have been detained in connection with the shooting.
At least one of the suspects is believed to have been struck by gunfire during the exchange.
The baby was not reported injured.
Investigators have emphasized that the shooting is not connected to Spring Break activities.
The Gulfport Police Department, along with other responding agencies, is continuing its investigation.
Anyone with information or video footage related to the incident is urged to contact Gulfport Police or submit an anonymous tip through local Crime Stoppers.
Crime
Jesse James West, 36, Dies After Being Shot by Kansas City, Kansas, Police Officer During Disturbance Response
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A family’s request for help ended in tragedy Friday evening, November 6, 2026, when 36-year-old Jesse James West died after being shot by a police officer responding to a reported disturbance at a residence in Kansas City, Kansas.
The incident occurred in the 6500 block of Kansas Avenue, where officers were dispatched following a call from a woman who reported that a relative was behaving erratically inside a vehicle parked in the driveway. What began as a request for assistance became a fatal encounter that has left West’s loved ones grieving and raised difficult questions as investigators work to establish exactly what happened.
According to information released by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), officers were dispatched at approximately 7:35 p.m. Two Kansas City, Kansas, police officers arrived at the residence around 7:50 p.m. and approached an SUV parked in the driveway.
Inside the vehicle, officers encountered West. One officer reportedly observed that he had a firearm.
The officers initially moved away from the SUV and instructed West to exit the vehicle with his hands raised. They later approached again and repeated their commands.
At approximately 7:56 p.m., as officers approached the SUV, one officer fired a single round, striking West. According to the KBI’s preliminary account, West was standing just outside the vehicle’s door when he was shot.
Officers immediately began providing life-saving medical assistance while waiting for emergency medical personnel to arrive.
West was transported to The University of Kansas Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
No officers were reported injured during the incident. Investigators also said they located what they believe were components of a rifle at the scene.
The Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department requested assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at approximately 8:25 p.m. The KBI is conducting an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
Once the investigation is complete, the findings are expected to be submitted to the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office for review.
Authorities have not released further conclusions about the circumstances leading to the shooting. The investigation is ongoing, and the findings will help determine the full sequence of events.
Jesse James West was 36 years old. His death has left family members and loved ones facing a painful loss following an incident that began with a call for assistance.
The circumstances surrounding the encounter remain under investigation, and many questions may not be answered until investigators complete their review.
As his family mourns, thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved West. Losing someone unexpectedly is devastating, and the pain can be especially difficult when the circumstances remain unclear.
Our deepest condolences go out to Jesse James West’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. May they find strength, support, and comfort as they grieve.
May Jesse James West rest in peace.