A call for an aggravated assault brought police to the 200 block of Vine Street in Jackson, Mississippi, on a Saturday night. At approximately 10:51 p.m. on September 26, 2026, officers from the Jackson Police Department’s Precinct 4 arrived to find a man lying face down in the street. He was identified as Celvin Perry, a 50-year-old male. Mr. Perry was several yards away from his parked vehicle and had sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
Despite the arrival of American Medical Response paramedics and the Jackson Fire Department, his injuries were fatal, and he died at the scene.
The initial police response was extensive, signaling the gravity of the crime. The Jackson Police Department’s Robbery/Homicide Unit was called in to lead the investigation, along with the department's Mobile Crime Unit and K-9 Unit. Investigators cordoned off the area on Vine Street, a residential street in the city, and began the meticulous process of gathering evidence. The Mobile Crime Unit collected multiple shell casings left behind at the scene. These casings were slated for analysis through the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN), a national database that can link firearms evidence from different crime scenes.
Detectives worked to piece together the final moments of Celvin Perry’s life. They believe the person or persons responsible for the shooting fled the scene in a dark-colored vehicle, possibly a Honda. However, a more detailed description of the suspects or the car has not been released to the public. The motive for the shooting remains unknown, and investigators have not announced any leads or persons of interest in the case.
The night Mr. Perry was killed was a violent one in Jackson. Earlier that same evening, a woman was fatally shot near Medgar Evers Boulevard at the JA Fuel gas station. That shooting is also being investigated as a homicide by the Jackson Police Department. Authorities have not publicly stated whether the two fatal shootings, which occurred just hours apart, are in any way connected. Both cases added to the city's growing homicide count for the year.
As of late 2026, the investigation into Celvin Perry's death is ongoing, and no arrests have been made. His case remains unsolved, leaving unanswered questions for his family and community. Police have notified his next of kin, but no public statements from the family have been released, and no information about his life, work, or family has been made public. There have been no announcements of memorials, vigils, or fundraisers in his name.
The Jackson Police Department continues to seek information from the public that could lead to a breakthrough in the case. They urge anyone with knowledge about the shooting on Vine Street to come forward. A cash reward may be available for tips that lead to an arrest. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Jackson Police Department at 601-960-1800 or to leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 601-355-TIPS (8477).
