12 people charged with murder in fatal shooting of Mississippi deputy
A dozen people have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of a Mississippi sheriff's deputy, authorities announced on Friday.
All 12 suspects have also been charged with aggravated assault and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the death of Claiborne County Deputy Terrian Bailey, according to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
Bailey was attempting to disperse a large crowd at a convenience store in Hermanville shortly after midnight on Sept. 7 when shots were fired toward the crowd, according to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. He was struck and later died at a hospital, authorities said. A female bystander was also shot, suffering non-life-threatening injuries.
"Today's arrests reflect the determination and collaboration of law enforcement at every level to pursue justice for Deputy Bailey, his family and the community he served," Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell said in a statement.
The 12 suspects range in age from 18 to 26. The department did not release any additional details on the case, including any alleged shooters.
Their arrests involved multiple agencies, including the FBI and U.S. Marshals Service.
Bailey served with the Claiborne Sheriff's Office for six years and is survived by his wife and children.
Claiborne County Sheriff Edward Goods Sr. thanked "every investigator, agent, officer, deputy, dispatcher, and individual who has worked tirelessly on this case."
"We also thank the citizens who have provided information, videos, tips, prayers, and support," he said in a statement. "Your cooperation continues to be important."
The FBI offered a reward of up to $25,000 for information related to the case, Mississippi authorities said.
The investigation remains ongoing, authorities said.
