Six people, including a 7-year-old girl, were killed in a series of connected shootings Friday evening in Clay County, Mississippi. Authorities say all three shootings were carried out by a single suspect, who is now in custody.
Law enforcement identified the suspect as Daricka M. Moore, who was taken into custody without incident and initially charged with first-degree murder. Officials said the charge could be upgraded to capital murder as the investigation continues.
The shootings occurred in and around Cedarbluff, though investigators have not released a motive. Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott said the suspect was not previously known to local law enforcement.
“The suspect had not been on our radar,” Scott said at a Saturday press conference.
According to investigators, Moore first went to one location where he allegedly shot and killed three family members — his father, uncle, and brother. After the shootings, authorities say Moore stole a vehicle belonging to one of the victims.
Moore then allegedly drove to a second residence, where he forced his way into the home while armed with a handgun and attempted to commit a sexual battery, Scott said. During that incident, Moore is accused of shooting and killing a 7-year-old girl in front of witnesses.
“I don’t know what kind of motive you could have to kill a 7-year-old,” Scott said. “It shook me pretty hard too.”
The girl was pronounced dead at the scene by the Clay County Medical Examiner. Authorities said she was also related to Moore. Police received a 911 call from that residence at approximately 6:56 p.m.
Following the call, investigators were directed to a third location, where they discovered two additional deceased men and the stolen truck. One of the victims was identified as a local church pastor, though authorities said the connection between those victims and Moore remains unclear.
Scott said evidence indicates Moore was the only shooter, and no additional injuries were reported beyond the six fatalities.
Moore was later located and arrested at an intersection, where he was taken into custody without incident.
District Attorney Scott Colom said prosecutors are considering the possibility of seeking the death penalty.
“This is the kind of case where the death penalty is going to have to be really looked at,” Colom said, adding that investigators must still follow required legal procedures.
Sheriff Scott said he briefly spoke with Moore’s family members, describing their response as deep shock and grief.
“Just to be there looking at these family members trying to, first of all, grieve the loss of their loved one and then finding out who it was that committed this — another family member,” Scott said. “I mean, it was overwhelming to everybody. So it was really hard to have conversation other than prayers with everybody out there.”
%20(1).png)
%20(1).jpg)
