On the evening of May 17, 2025, a gathering at the Avondale Apartments in Hernando, Mississippi, turned tragic, ending the life of 41-year-old Orenzo Lynn Odom. The event was filled with people when a dispute between Odom and another man escalated with fatal consequences. An argument led to a physical altercation, during which Odom was shot. First responders provided medical aid at the scene before he was transported to Baptist-DeSoto hospital in Southaven, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The authorities have stated that the incident was not gang-related but rather the result of an ongoing personal conflict between the victim and the alleged shooter.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Hernando police acted swiftly. Witnesses at the apartment complex were able to provide a description of the suspect, which led to a traffic stop of a vehicle leaving the area. Inside the vehicle were two individuals, Edrick Thornton, 49, and Keshay Jones, 35, both from Hernando. A firearm was also recovered during the stop. Both Thornton and Jones were taken into custody in connection with the death of Odom.
Following the initial investigation, Edrick Thornton was charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Orenzo Odom. Keshay Jones faced charges of accessory after the fact and tampering with physical evidence. It is alleged that Jones attempted to hide the handgun used in the shooting. Thornton was held at the DeSoto County Adult Detention Center on a $1 million bond, while Jones was released after posting bond. The District Attorney's office has encouraged more of the nearly 50 people present at the party to come forward with any information they may have to assist in the prosecution.
