In the small town of Stonewall, Mississippi, the life of 12-year-old Caleb Bender was tragically cut short on Friday, June 28, 2024. The young male was fatally shot at a residence on River Road. The incident sent shockwaves through the quiet community, leaving family and friends heartbroken and searching for answers. The community rallied together in the wake of the tragedy, holding a balloon release to honor Caleb's memory and offering support to his grieving family.
The investigation
into Caleb's death quickly led to the identification of suspects. The Clarke County Sheriff's Department arrested 14-year-old Chquese Porter in connection with the shooting. In a significant legal step, Porter was charged as an adult with second-degree murder. He is currently being held at the Clarke County Jail and has been denied bond. The case against him is scheduled to be presented to a Clarke County Grand Jury for further legal proceedings.
A second individual, Lon McCoy of Stonewall, was also arrested in connection to the case. McCoy faces a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. His bond was set at $2,500. While the investigation is ongoing, these arrests mark a crucial development in the pursuit of justice for Caleb Bender. The community continues to mourn the loss of a young life taken too soon, while the legal process moves forward to address the circumstances of his untimely death.
