Crime
Suspect fatally shot by a security guard at Southern Hens in Moselle
MOSELLE, MS – Law enforcement authorities have launched an active investigation into a shooting incident that occurred at Southern Hens Inc. on Moselle-Seminary Road Wednesday afternoon.
According to the Jones County Sheriff’s Department (JCSD), the incident took place around 2:00 p.m. on January 29, 2025.
Initial reports indicate that an armed individual attempted to enter the facility carrying an AR-style rifle but was fatally shot by a security guard.
Authorities have confirmed that no employees or emergency responders were injured during the incident.
Sheriff Joe Berlin and multiple JCSD deputies and investigators are currently on the scene, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
The JCSD has assured the public that there is no further danger to employees or the surrounding community.
The circumstances surrounding the suspect’s actions and the security response remain under active investigation.
Law enforcement officials have not yet released the identity of the suspect or any additional details regarding a possible motive.
More information is expected to be made available as the investigation progresses.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the Jones County Sheriff’s Department.
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.