A Mississippi community has been left in shock after a series of fatal shootings on Friday night left six people dead, including a child and a local pastor. Authorities in Clay county have charged 24-year-old Daricka Moore with first-degree murder, with officials stating the charge is expected to be elevated to capital murder.
A Trail of Violence Across the County
According to Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott, the violent spree began shortly before 7pm at a residence on David Hill Road. Investigators believe Moore first shot and killed his 67-year-old father, Glen Moore, his 55-year-old uncle, Willie Guines, and his 33-year-old brother, Quinton Moore.
Sheriff Scott detailed that Moore then allegedly stole a vehicle and drove to a home on Blake Road. There, he is accused of forcing his way inside and attempting to sexually assault a seven-year-old girl, who was related to him, before shooting her. Deputies later discovered the child's body at that location.
Pastor Among Final Victims in Alleged Rampage
The violence continued, authorities say, when Moore travelled to a home on Siloam-Griffith Road in a Ford F-150 truck belonging to his deceased brother. Behind that residence, deputies found the stolen truck and the bodies of Barry Bradley and Samuel Bradley, both fatally shot. One of the men was identified as a pastor at a local church. The relationship, if any, between Moore and the Bradleys is currently unknown.
Moore was finally taken into custody just before midnight at the intersection of Pine Grove Road and Joe Myers Road, driving a vehicle taken from the Siloam-Griffith Road scene. The motive for the killings remains under investigation.
Community Reels as Prosecutors Consider Death Penalty
District Attorney for Mississippi’s 16th circuit court, Scott Colom, whose jurisdiction includes Clay county, described the case as horrific. "This is horrific. It’s about as bad as it gets," Colom stated. Sheriff Scott, with 30 years of service, called it "one of the toughest ones we had to work".
Moore is scheduled for his first court appearance on Monday. District Attorney Colom confirmed that prosecutors will consider seeking the death penalty if Moore is found to be mentally competent. Autopsies for all victims will be conducted by the Mississippi crime lab.
"This has really shaken our community," Sheriff Scott told reporters. "Personally, I don’t know what kind of motive you could have to kill a seven-year-old."
