A father and two of his sons are jailed on murder and related charges in the shooting death of a Mississippi 17-year-old, the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office said.
Rakem Townsend and Camelo Hedrick were charged with murder in the death of 17-year-old Dawaynemonion Hedrick, the sheriff’s office said. Their father, Vernard Townsend, was charged with being an accessory after the fact and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, it said.
Gunfire rang out near the Bikini Lounge at Hinds Street and Tillman Road in Pattison on Thursday afternoon, the sheriff’s office said. Deputies who responded found the victim suffering from gunshot wounds; he was later pronounced dead, officials said.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation helped local officials track down the suspects, the sheriff’s office said. Authorities have not announced a motive or the victim’s relation to the suspects, and the case remains under investigation. Additional charges are possible, officials said.
“Sheriff Edward Goods extends his deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Dawaynemonion Hedrick during this difficult time and asks that the community keep them in their thoughts and prayers,” the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
