In the early hours of Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the life of 32-year-old Makayla Gates was tragically cut short in what authorities have described as a murder-suicide in Verona, Mississippi. The incident unfolded shortly after 1:00 a.m. when Verona police responded to a report of a domestic disturbance and possible gunfire at a residence on Clement Circle.
Upon their arrival, officers discovered a grim scene. Makayla Gates was found deceased, having sustained two gunshot wounds.
Also at the residence was 28-year-old Markel Weeks, who was found dead from what the Verona Police Department determined to be two self-inflicted gunshot wounds. The Lee County Coroner, Carolyn Green, officially identified both individuals and confirmed their cause of death at the scene.
Investigators have concluded that Weeks was the perpetrator in the shooting of Gates before taking his own life. The Verona Police Department has stated that the incident was isolated and that there is no ongoing threat to the public. As a result, no arrests have been made, and authorities are not searching for any other suspects in connection with this case. The investigation into the circumstances that led to this tragic event remains active.
Makayla Symone Gates, originally from Amory, Mississippi, was remembered by her family and community for her strength and compassion. Her parents, Dennis Gates and Kathleen Cunningham, survive her. The incident was the second shooting in Verona in less than 24 hours, drawing attention to gun violence in the small northeast Mississippi community.
