Two teenagers are behind bars for their alleged involvement in a drive-by shooting on Greentree Drive in East Columbus, according to a Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office press release.
Jacory Smart, 18, was arrested Tuesday and charged with attempted murder. A 16-year-old suspect was also arrested in connection to the shooting, though the press release does not disclose the suspect’s name or charges.
Deputies responded at about 1 p.m. Tuesday to a report of a drive-by shooting at Greentree Apartments, from where the two suspects had allegedly fled in a black Dodge Challenger immediately after the shooting, the press release said.
Using surveillance footage, witness interviews and forensic evidence collected at the scene – including 12 spent shell casings from an AR-15-style semi-automatic rifle – detectives quickly developed leads identifying Smart and the other suspect, leading to their Tuesday arrests.
The press release said the 16-year-old suspect is being charged as an adult in line with Mississippi Senate Bill 2710, which allows juveniles accused of violent crimes involving a firearm to be prosecuted in circuit court rather than youth court. The law went into effect July 1.
“This case should serve as a reminder to parents and guardians to have serious conversations with their children about the consequences of carrying or using firearms during the commission of a violent crime,” Sheriff Eddie Hawkins said in the press release. “Under Mississippi Senate Bill 2710, juveniles who commit certain violent offenses while using a firearm can now be prosecuted as adults. One poor decision can have life-changing consequences for both the offender and the victim.”
Because the minor has been charged as an adult, The Dispatch has filed a public records request with Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office for the suspect’s identity and booking information. The Dispatch policy is to publish that information when a suspect is charged as an adult with a felony.
The press release said the shooting investigation remains active, and additional charges may be forthcoming. Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers at (800) 530-7151 or submit an anonymous tip through the P3 Tips mobile app. Information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward.
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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 26 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
