WEST POINT — A second man has been arrested in connection with a weekend fight that left one man in a coma after he was found laying in a restaurant’s parking lot.
Marquavious McMillian, 20, of Aberdeen, was arrested Thursday by the West Point Police Department. He was charged with one count of aggravated assault for his alleged role in a fight that took place in the Huddle House parking lot Saturday morning.
Ralph Weems IV, 32, was severely injured in the incident. A spokesperson with North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, where Weems remains, could not be reached for comment this morning.
Courtez McMillian, 22, of Okolona, was arrested Monday and also charged with one count of aggravated assault. Police are not saying if the alleged offenders are related.
Both men received a $250,000 bond. Authorities declined to comment on whether the men were related.
The case has drawn national attention for its racial undertones after a witness said Weems was beaten because he was white. The two men arrested for alleged roles in the incident are black. Police Chief Tim Brinkley has said evidence does not support claims the incident was racially motivated.
The investigation is ongoing. Witnesses are still being interviewed, according to Brinkley.
The case will be presented to the grand jury in October. Brinkley said the grand jury will decide if the case should be elevated to a hate crime.
Anyone with information is asked to call Golden Triangle CrimeStoppers at 800-530-7151 or the West Point PD at 662-494-1244.
Sarah Fowler covered crime, education and community related events for The Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.