Crime
Four Arrested in Connection with Deadly New Year’s Eve Shooting in Holmes County
HOLMES COUNTY, MS — Four individuals have been taken into custody following a fatal New Year’s Eve shooting at a Shell gas station on Highway 17 in Holmes County.
The incident resulted in the deaths of two young men and left a third person injured.
Holmes County Sheriff Willie March confirmed that three suspects—19-year-old Amari Ward, 20-year-old Amante Ward, and 23-year-old Jamal Sly—were arrested on Monday. Each faces two counts of murder, with bond set at $500,000 per count.
A fourth suspect, 21-year-old Sendarius Craft, was arrested on Tuesday. Bond for Craft has not yet been determined.
The deadly shooting occurred around 11 p.m. on New Year’s Eve at the Shell gas station on Highway 17. According to Sheriff March, deputies arrived on the scene to find evidence of a violent shootout.
Upon their arrival, deputies discovered 21-year-old Brian Grisby Jr. deceased near the front door of the store. Another victim, 19-year-old De’Marion Sly, was rushed to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
A third victim, 22-year-old Antine Fisher, sustained a grazing gunshot wound. Fisher was treated for his injuries and released.
The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the events leading up to the shooting.
While four arrests have been made, authorities are working to piece together the exact circumstances of the incident and determine whether additional individuals were involved.Sheriff March has called on community members to come forward with any information that may assist in the investigation.
“We are committed to ensuring justice for the victims and their families. Anyone with details, no matter how small, is urged to contact our office,” he said.
Individuals with information are encouraged to contact the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation unfolds.
Authorities have identified the suspect in Thursday’s deadly shooting at Florida State University (FSU) as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, the son of longtime Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Jessica Ikner.
During an afternoon press conference, FSU Police Chief Jason Trumbower confirmed that Phoenix Ikner was responsible for opening fire near the university’s Student Union Building, killing two individuals and injuring six others.
The incident unfolded around 11:50 a.m. on April 17, when the gunman began shooting on the university’s main campus in Tallahassee.
“FSU police responded immediately, engaged, neutralized, and apprehended the shooter,” Trumbower said. Ikner, believed to be an FSU student, was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital following the incident.
Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell detailed the law enforcement response, stating that officers confronted Ikner and opened fire when he failed to comply with commands.
He was subsequently subdued and taken for medical treatment.
Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil confirmed that the suspect is the son of Deputy Jessica Ikner, a veteran of the department with over 18 years of service.
“She has performed her duties with distinction,” McNeil stated, expressing support for Deputy Ikner during what he described as a devastating moment for her and the department.
Investigators revealed that the weapon used in the shooting was a handgun previously issued to Deputy Ikner before she transitioned to a new service weapon.
It was reportedly her personal firearm. Authorities also found a shotgun in Ikner’s possession at the scene, though it remains unclear whether it was discharged during the attack.
“We are continuing to investigate the role each weapon may have played and whether the suspect had access to additional firearms,” McNeil said.
Chief Revell added that Phoenix Ikner had been a “long-standing member” of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office Youth Advisory Council and had participated in several law enforcement-related programs over the years.
“It’s not surprising to us that he had some level of access to firearms given his history within the agency’s youth programs,” Revell stated.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Authorities noted that Ikner has so far refused to cooperate with investigators or provide any explanation for his actions.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is assisting in the investigation and has requested that anyone who witnessed the shooting or has relevant information or media uploads related to the incident submit tips through their official website at www.fbi.gov/fsushooting.
FSU remains under heightened security as law enforcement continues to process the scene and gather evidence.