Crime
17-Year-Old Suspect Wanted for First-Degree Murder in Tunica County Shooting
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Tunica County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warrant for a 17-year-old male suspect in connection to a fatal shooting that occurred late Sunday night in Tunica County, Mississippi.
Deputies responded to a call regarding a shooting at the intersection of Carole Street and Edwards Avenue at approximately 11:13 p.m. on Sunday, April 13.
Upon arrival, they discovered 18-year-old Mackenzie Kaleb Thomas suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Despite emergency efforts, Thomas was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following an initial investigation, authorities identified 17-year-old Mario Donyale Lester, Jr. as the primary suspect.
A warrant has been issued for his arrest on charges of first-degree murder and unlawful discharge of a firearm within a populated area.
Lester is considered armed and dangerous, and law enforcement is urging the public not to approach him.
Anyone who sees Lester or has information regarding his location should call 911 immediately or contact the Tunica County Sheriff’s Office at (662) 363-1411. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Tunica County CrimeStoppers at (662) 910-0400.
In a statement, the sheriff’s office warned that any individuals found to have knowingly aided, abetted, or concealed Lester while he is evading arrest may face criminal charges.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) is investigating a series of shootings that occurred Wednesday night in Pahokee, culminating in a deputy-involved shooting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division are conducting parallel and joint reviews of the incident.
According to authorities, the violence began on Wednesday, February 25, at approximately 10:12 p.m., when 44-year-old Charles McCloud Jr. allegedly initiated a series of shootings at multiple locations throughout Pahokee over a roughly 40-minute span.
First Shooting – 171 Booker Place (10:12 p.m.)
McCloud allegedly shot two adult males at a residence located at 171 Booker Place.
Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Second Shooting – 8700 Block of Doveland Drive
Shortly afterward, multiple gunshots were reported in the 8700 block of Doveland Drive.
Although several rounds were fired, authorities confirmed that no individuals were struck during this incident.
Third Shooting – 750 Belle Glade Road
The third shooting occurred at a convenience store located at 750 Belle Glade Road.
An adult male was shot during this incident and transported for medical treatment. Officials report the victim is expected to survive.
While responding to the reported gunfire on Doveland Drive and conducting a preliminary investigation, a PBSO deputy was securing the area with crime scene tape when McCloud allegedly drove a black GMC SUV directly at the deputy.
Authorities state that McCloud struck the deputy with the vehicle, pushing him approximately 40 feet. After exiting the SUV armed with a firearm, McCloud allegedly attempted to shoot the injured deputy.
In response, the deputy discharged his service weapon, striking McCloud. A second PBSO deputy also discharged his firearm during the encounter. McCloud was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The injured deputy sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
According to PBSO, Charles McCloud Jr. had an extensive criminal history, including prior charges for Riot, Resisting an Officer with Violence, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Narcotics Equipment/Possession, and Escape or Attempted Escape from a county facility.
In accordance with standard agency policy, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The FDLE, the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division continue to actively investigate all aspects of the shootings, including the deputy-involved use of force.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.