Mayor Jimmie Smith: "Sorrow. You feel sad when something like this happens."

Meridian Police Department held a press conference this afternoon in regard to the shooting death of MPD officer Kennis Croom and Brittany Jones, who has now been identified as the second victim in Thursday evening’s shooting.

Police Chief Deborah Young:

“Good afternoon. What we experienced yesterday is something that we hope that we would never have to go through. Officers responded to a disturbance call at the 2400 block of 51st Avenue at 5:20 p.m. Officer Croom was the first officer on the scene. Upon arrival, he advised that he had one at gunpoint, and shortly afterward he advised there were shots being fired. The second officer on the scene that was out with Officer Croom called out that Officer Croom was down. The suspect fled the scene prior to the officer's arrival. When officers checked the residence they discovered a female, Brittany Jones, inside suffering from a fatal gunshot wound. Mrs. Jones was pronounced deceased, at the scene. Officer Croom was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The investigation has been turned over to MBI. Any time a life is lost is tragic. This whole incident is tragic and senseless. Officer Kenneth Croom lost his life doing what he loved, serving this community.”

Chief Deborah Young also stated that Thursday was officer Croom’s day off, but he came in to help.

“To his family, we are praying for you during this time. I know there are no words to ease your pain. He will truly be missed by Meridian Police Department. He is the definition of a true hero, and his legacy will go on. We would like to extend our condolences to the family of Ms. Jones. She lost her life to a senseless act of violence.”

Kennis Croom, Meridian Police Officer

Mayor Jimmie Smith did not speak inside the press conference, but Twin States News spoke with him afterward and he became emotional.

“This is a very sad situation for the community as a whole. I think that the police department has done a good job in handling what they've had to handle. WEEMS is helping out with them and getting them some emotional help. I think that the community as a whole has embraced that this is a sad situation and that our community is in chaos to some degree. Sorrow….. You know you never... You feel sad when something like this happens. It’s sad. It’s very sad. It’s sad for our community.”

Dante Marquez Bender

The suspect Dante Marquez Bender was taken into custody this morning around 10:30 in Ackerman, Ms.