In the small community of Hazlehurst, Mississippi, the life of 20-year-old Decedric 'Boosie' Stampley was tragically cut short on the night of Monday, October 13, 2025. A graduate of Jefferson County High School's Class of 2023, he was employed at Wayne's Farm and was known for his love of horseback riding, hunting, and fishing. The events of that evening unfolded when Stampley was brought to the Copiah County Medical Center with a gunshot wound. Despite medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries.
The Copiah County Sheriff's Office was notified of the incident at approximately 11:10 p.m. and immediately launched a homicide investigation into the young man's death. As authorities began to piece together the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting, they appealed to the public for any information that could lead to an understanding of what transpired. The investigation was active and ongoing as law enforcement worked to identify those responsible for Stampley's death.
In the days that followed, the investigation led authorities to identify a person of interest. The Copiah County Sheriff's Office announced that they were searching for Artavius Hillard in connection with the death of Decedric Stampley. Hillard was considered to be armed and dangerous, and the public was cautioned against approaching him. Authorities urged anyone with information on Hillard's whereabouts to contact the Copiah County Sheriff's Office or Crime Stoppers. The search for the suspect continued as the community mourned the loss of a young man remembered as a joy to be around, who was both humble and respectful.
