In the late summer of 2024, the community of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, was shaken by the tragic death of Thomas LaVon Everett, a 49-year-old man known for his dedication to his family and his work. On August 20, 2024, Everett was fatally shot in the Glendale community of Forrest County. The incident that led to his death unfolded on Scenic Drive, where he sustained two gunshot wounds.
The investigation into the shooting quickly led to the arrest of a suspect, revealing a heartbreaking
turn of events. The individual taken into custody was Thomas Everett's own 14-year-old son, Taurence Everett. Authorities located and arrested the teenager at another residence approximately a mile from the scene of the shooting.
Following his arrest, Taurence Everett was charged as an adult with first-degree murder. He was booked into the Forrest County Jail. During his initial court appearance, a judge set his bond at $250,000. As part of his bail conditions, should he be released, he would be required to wear an ankle monitor. The court also ordered that he have no contact with the victim's family and undergo a monthly mental evaluation.
Thomas Everett was a beloved figure in his community. A 1993 graduate of North Forrest High School, he had been a dedicated employee at Puckett Machinery for 28 years, where he had worked his way up from a service mechanic to a shop supervisor. He was also a passionate volunteer, having served as a coach and assistant coach for the Hattiesburg Dixie Youth Baseball League for over a decade. His obituary remembered him as a man with a great sense of humor and an unwavering commitment to his work and the young people he coached. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Angela, and a father to several children. A memorial service was held for him on August 31, 2024, at Logos Missionary Baptist Church.
