A 24-year-old man has been charged with multiple counts of murder following a horrific shooting spree across Mississippi's Clay County that left six people dead, including a seven-year-old girl and several family members.
A Trail of Violence Across Three Locations
According to Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott, the alleged rampage began late on Friday in the community of Cedar Bluff. The suspect, identified as Daricka Moore, 24, is accused of fatally shooting three of his own family members at the first location. The victims were named as his 67-year-old father, Glen Moore; his 33-year-old brother, Quintin Moore; and his 55-year-old uncle, Willie Guines.
Sheriff Scott stated that Moore then allegedly stole his brother's truck and drove to a second home. It was from this address that the first emergency calls were placed to police. At this scene, Moore is accused of shooting and killing a seven-year-old girl to whom he was related. Authorities have also levelled an additional serious allegation, stating Moore attempted to commit a sexual battery while armed with a handgun at this location.
Final Shootings and Arrest
The violence did not end there. Moore is then alleged to have travelled to a third location, prompting another 911 call. There, he is accused of fatally shooting two adult men from Columbus: Barry Bradley and Samuel Bradley. Sheriff Scott confirmed that one of the men was a pastor.
The shooting spree concluded when Moore was later arrested "without incident" in western Clay County. Investigators believe he acted alone, though a clear motive for the attacks remains unknown. "Personally, I don't know what kind of motive you could have to kill a seven-year-old," Sheriff Scott told reporters during a press conference on Saturday.
Charges and Community in Mourning
Daricka Moore has been charged with first-degree murder, with Sheriff Scott confirming the charges "will be upgraded here shortly to capital murder." Additional murder charges are forthcoming. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Monday.
The sheriff described the profound impact on the community and the victims' families, who are experiencing "overwhelming grief." He noted the particular agony of discovering the perpetrator was another family member. Having served for three decades, Sheriff Scott called this case one of the toughest he has ever worked.
In a Facebook post shared around midnight as the tragedy unfolded, Sheriff Scott wrote, "Unfortunately tonight we have dealt with tragedy in our community. Multiple innocent lives lost due to violence." He asked the public to keep the victims and their families in their prayers.
