Crime
Off-Duty McComb Police Sergeant Jason Blake Fatally Shot While Aiding Civilian, Suspect Died by Suicide
MCCOMB, Miss. — Authorities have confirmed that a deadly shooting in McComb on Tuesday afternoon claimed the lives of two individuals, including off-duty McComb Police Sergeant Jason Blake, who was fatally shot while attempting to assist someone in need.
According to McComb Police Chief Earnest Perry, Sgt. Blake responded to a personal request for help from an individual, despite being off duty at the time.
Upon arriving at the residence near Highway 44 and Cole Thomas Road, he encountered an armed suspect who opened fire.
Reports indicate that the gunman shot two people inside the residence, killing one of them, before turning the weapon on himself in an apparent murder-suicide.
Sgt. Blake was shot during the incident and later died from his injuries.
Sgt. Blake had served with the McComb Police Department for five years and had a total of 16 years in law enforcement, including time with the Pike County Sheriff’s Office.
He was remembered by Chief Perry as a dedicated officer and a cherished member of the force.
“This is some of the stuff we sign up for. He died doing what he loved,” said Chief Perry.
“He was a big teddy bear — well-loved in the community. It’s just a sad day for all of us.”
McComb Mayor Quordiniah N. Lockley also expressed sorrow over the loss, confirming that two other individuals were shot during the incident — one of whom succumbed to their injuries.
The identities of the other individuals involved have not yet been released, as the investigation remains active.
The Pike County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation into the shooting.
Chief Perry asked the community to keep Sgt. Blake’s family, friends, and fellow officers in their thoughts.
“Until we figure out the circumstances, just keep us in your prayers,” Chief Perry said.
Sgt. Jason Blake leaves behind a wife and children.
Orlando, Fla. — Family and friends of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz are seeking answers and accountability following his fatal shooting outside a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub early Sunday morning.
According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe, in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born May 18, 1992.
Detectives determined that prior to the shooting, Cruz and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation on the sidewalk outside the nightclub district. Investigators say that during the dispute, the suspect retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Cruz.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, which patrol officers later located in the 200 block of East New Hampshire Avenue, approximately two blocks from where the shooting occurred.
Police subsequently arrested 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr (DOB: October 29, 1988). He has been charged with Second Degree Murder with a Firearm. Authorities confirmed this case marks the third homicide in Orlando in 2026.
Cruz’s father, Anthony Cruz, said his son and his partner had been at Savoy Orlando enjoying the evening before the violence unfolded.
According to the family, as the couple exited the club after closing time, a vehicle sped past them. Cruz’s partner allegedly yelled toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation then reportedly began between Cruz’s partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
“When they fought, my son saw that was happening. My son went to intervene, and when he intervened, another guy got out of the car, and he got shot,” Anthony Cruz said. “My son didn’t deserve what happened. All I have left is a shirt — a shirt with a bullet hole.”
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruz’s family maintains that another individual may have been directly responsible for pulling the trigger. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
A small memorial has formed across from the nightclub, where members of the community have gathered to honor Cruz’s memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the club’s property.
“I didn’t know the victim, but from everything I’ve been told, I wish I had,” Cooper said. “He seemed like a great kid. Seeing a family that is so heartbroken and so supportive of this community says so much.”
The Orlando Police Department has not released additional information regarding potential additional suspects. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and shooting.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline.
The investigation remains active.