In the quiet corners of Pontotoc County, Mississippi, a story of cherished life and tragic loss unfolded. Tabatha Anita Moore, a 57-year-old Black female from Tupelo, was a beacon of light and a pillar of strength to all who knew her. Born on January 27, 1967, her life was one deeply rooted in faith and an unwavering dedication to her family. She was a beloved daughter, a nurturing mother and grandmother, a dear sister, and a loyal friend.
Her infectious laughter and radiant energy were known to lift the spirits of everyone she encountered. Tabatha's entrepreneurial spirit shone through her ownership of a cleaning business, a testament to her belief that cleanliness was next to godliness.
The warmth of her presence was abruptly extinguished on February 18, 2024. On that day, Tabatha and a 40-year-old man named Gastin White were found inside a residence on Bradley Road in Pontotoc County, both having been fatally shot. The news of this double homicide sent ripples of shock and grief through the community, leaving an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who loved them. The sudden and violent nature of their deaths left a community searching for answers and yearning for justice.
In the wake of the tragedy, law enforcement launched an intensive investigation into the double homicide. Their efforts led to the apprehension of three individuals in connection with the murders. Michael O'Neal and Lebreko Clark were the first to be taken into custody. Following their arrests, a third suspect, Benoris Floyd, was also apprehended. Floyd now faces two counts of murder for the deaths of Tabatha Moore and Gastin White. As the legal proceedings against the accused move forward, a community waits, hoping for a resolution that will bring a measure of peace and a sense of justice for the lives that were so senselessly cut short.
