In the summer of 2024, the community of Greenville, Mississippi, was shaken by the violent death of Kerry Overton, a 49-year-old Black or African American male. On the evening of June 29th, Overton was discovered in a vacant lot in the 300 block of First Street, having been fatally shot. Emergency services were called to the scene, but Overton was pronounced dead from his injuries.
This tragic event marked the fifth homicide in the city for that year.
The Greenville Police Department, with assistance from the Special Response Team and the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, launched a thorough investigation into the shooting. Their efforts led to a significant breakthrough in the case, resulting in the arrest of six individuals. The suspects taken into custody were identified as Carlos Cross, Julius Dillard, Tariq Harris, Kendrick Malone, and Jeremiah Wilson. The coordinated efforts of the law enforcement agencies ensured the suspects were apprehended without incident.
Following the arrests, the suspects were charged in connection with Overton's death as the investigation continued to unfold. The community mourned the loss of Kerry Overton, with a visitation held on July 12, 2024, followed by a funeral service the next day at Sisson Chapel of Byas Funeral Home in Greenville.
