In the quiet, rural community of Cedarbluff, Mississippi, the evening of January 9, 2026, was shattered by a shocking wave of violence that claimed the life of Pastor Barry L. Bradley, a 63-year-old male, and five other individuals. A beloved figure in his community, Pastor Bradley was known for his unwavering faith and his dedication to serving others through the Apostolic Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, which he founded. His life, defined by compassion and service, was tragically cut short in a rampage that left the small town reeling in disbelief and sorrow. That Friday night, what began as a domestic dispute escalated into a multi-location killing spree, culminating in the senseless deaths of six people, including a seven-year-old child.
The tragic events unfolded across three different locations in Clay County. The alleged gunman, identified as 24-year-old Daricka M. Moore, is accused of first killing his father, brother, and uncle at a residence on David Hill Road. Following these initial acts of violence, Moore allegedly stole his brother's pickup truck and drove to a second home on Blake Road. There, he is accused of fatally shooting his seven-year-old second cousin. The horror continued to a third and final location on Siloam-Griffith Road, the residence associated with the Apostolic Church of The Lord Jesus. It was here that Pastor Barry Bradley and his brother, Samuel C. Bradley, were found deceased, both having suffered gunshot wounds. The brothers, who resided primarily in Columbus, often spent their weekends at the church property.
In the aftermath of the devastating killing spree, law enforcement launched a massive manhunt, and Daricka Moore was apprehended without incident at a roadblock later that same evening. He was subsequently charged with three counts of capital murder and three counts of first-degree murder, with the district attorney's office indicating their intent to seek the death penalty. Moore pleaded not guilty to all charges during his initial court appearance and was denied bond. The motive for the horrific string of violence remains under investigation, leaving a community to grapple with the immense loss of life. The case against Moore represents a complex and tragic event, marked by the alleged targeting of both family members and community figures, leaving a profound and lasting impact on the small Mississippi town.
