OKTIBBEHA COUNTY — A man already facing 19 counts of animal cruelty is now behind bars for killing his girlfriend.
Sedrick Beckum, 52, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Arshuntay Brown in June. Oktibbeha County sheriff’s deputies arrested Beckum on Thursday after evidence processed at the State Crime Lab linked him to the victim’s death.
Deputies found Brown dead in her home on Bethel Road on June 11 upon responding to a call regarding someone being shot there, OCSO Capt. Brett Watson said. Beckum was also inside the home when deputies arrived.
Beckum and Brown were in a relationship at the time, Watson said.
Deputies arrested Beckum initially for 19 counts of animal cruelty they identified. Watson told The Dispatch there were “dogs in very bad shape” at the residence. Beckum was out on bond for those charges when he was arrested Thursday for Brown’s murder.
Beckum is being held at the Oktibbeha County Jail on $1 million bond.
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