In the summer of 2024, the Vicksburg, Mississippi community was shaken by the violent death of 18-year-old Korey O'Neill Sims. A recent graduate of St. Aloysius High School, Sims was known for his bright spirit and was a star basketball player. His life was cut short on the night of August 4, 2024, in a shooting that also left three other teenagers wounded.
The incident occurred on Abraham Drive, just outside the city limits of Vicksburg. Sims and three other youths, two from Vicksburg and two from Fayette, were in the backyard of a residence when an individual reportedly approached from a wooded area and opened fire on the group. Sims was struck in the head and succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The other victims sustained injuries to the upper chest, foot, and leg.
Investigators from the Warren County Sheriff's Office quickly began working the case. Their efforts led to the arrest of 18-year-old Tavon Cain of Vicksburg. The motive for the shooting is believed to have been a stolen iPhone. Cain allegedly used an iPhone tracker to locate his phone, which led him to the Abraham Drive residence where he is accused of using an AR-style rifle in the attack.
Following his arrest, Tavon Cain was charged with one count of first-degree murder for the death of Korey Sims and three counts of aggravated assault for the injuries sustained by the other victims. He was arraigned before a judge and initially held without bond. However, Cain was later released on bond. In September 2025, while out on bond, he was arrested in Rankin County after a traffic stop and a subsequent foot chase. He was found to be in possession of a 'ghost gun.' As a result of this new arrest, a judge revoked his bond in the murder case.
