In the early morning hours of February 28, 2025, the life of 21-year-old Tylerra Friston of Tunica, Mississippi, was tragically cut short. Responding to a call about a shooting at approximately 2:08 a.m., Clarksdale police arrived at the 500 block of Pecan Street to find that Friston had sustained a fatal gunshot wound. She was transported to Northwest Regional Hospital in Clarksdale, where she passed away.
This marked the second homicide in Clarksdale for the year.
The initial investigation at the scene did not immediately lead to any arrests, but law enforcement continued to follow leads in the case. Their efforts culminated on Monday, March 3, 2025, when the Clarksdale Police Department announced the arrest of three individuals in connection with the shooting. The investigation was still active, and authorities were seeking to determine the motive behind the shooting, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Issa Thornton was charged with Murder for his alleged role in Friston's death. Two other individuals, Lontreal Stevenson and Jakaja Scott, were charged with Accessory After the Fact of Murder. Following their arrests, all three were transported to the Coahoma County Jail to await their initial court appearance in Clarksdale Municipal Court, where the possibility of bond would be considered. Funeral services for Tylerra Friston were held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at St. Paul Believer Church in Tunica, with a public viewing held the day before.
