In Laurel, Mississippi, on the evening of Saturday, April 4, 2026, a dispute between two men escalated to a fatal conclusion. The Laurel Police Department responded to a call of a shooting at approximately 9:15 p.m. in the 1000 block of First Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered Antonio Conner, a 38-year-old male, suffering from a gunshot wound to his abdomen.
Emergency services transported him to a local hospital, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Witnesses at the scene informed investigators that an altercation between Conner and another individual preceded the deadly shooting. Following an investigation into the incident, Laurel police identified 42-year-old James Darnell Arrington as the suspect in Conner's death. Authorities have issued a warrant for Arrington's arrest on charges of one count of murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. As of the latest reports, Arrington remains at large, and law enforcement has requested public assistance in locating him.
Family and friends mourned the loss of Antonio Eugene Conner, who was remembered for his bright spirit and kind heart. Funeral services were scheduled to be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the First Allen AME Church, with a public viewing preceding the service. His final resting place will be at Spring Hill Baptist Church in Shubuta, Mississippi.
