In the small community of West Point, Mississippi, the life of 14-year-old Ethan Timdreaz Evans was tragically cut short on January 14, 2024. The young man, born on April 28, 2009, died from gun violence at North Mississippi Medical Center-West Point. His death was part of a grim series of events that unfolded that Sunday, shaking the local community.
The violence was not an isolated incident but rather a pair of related shootings that also claimed the life of 20-year-old Zavier Billups.
The first shooting occurred at the intersection of West Half Mile and Division Street. Shortly thereafter, a second fatal shooting took place in the parking lot of the North Mississippi Medical Center. These two connected events left two young men dead and several others injured, prompting a complex investigation by law enforcement.
In the days that followed, the West Point police began to make arrests. One of the individuals charged was Kaelon Collins, who turned himself in and is now facing charges of murder and four counts of attempted murder. Another suspect, 23-year-old Lamarquez Deshawn Evans, was arrested and charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault. A third individual, 19-year-old Renaldo Carrothers, was also taken into custody and charged with being an accessory after the fact.
The investigation into the deadly shootings has been hampered by multiple crime scenes and the reluctance of some witnesses and victims to cooperate with the authorities. Despite these challenges, the West Point Police Chief, Avery Cook, has expressed his determination to bring all those involved to justice. Following their arrests, both Lamarquez Deshawn Evans and Renaldo Carrothers were denied bond. The investigation remains active, with the possibility of more arrests as law enforcement continues to piece together the events of that fatal day.
