In the late hours of a Friday night in Prentiss County, Mississippi, the life of Garnet Matthew West, a 53-year-old male, was brought to an abrupt and violent end. On November 17, 2023, deputies responded to a call concerning a shooting on Highway 4, near the Hobo Station area. Upon their arrival at the scene, they discovered West, a resident of Booneville, lying in a yard, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
The investigation into the shooting led authorities to a suspect,
35-year-old Louis Poutoa. Following his arrest, Poutoa was charged with capital murder in connection with West's death. A judge set his bond at a stern two million dollars, with additional conditions. As the legal process began to unfold, the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting was said to be ongoing, with the possibility of further charges being brought against Poutoa.
Garnet West was remembered as a man who never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was known for his ability to build and fix anything, with a passion for rebuilding vehicles and woodworking. In his younger years, he was an avid fan of wrestling, both as a spectator and a participant. He spent a significant portion of his adult life in Pontotoc, where he had managed a Pizza Hut and owned and supervised several Subway restaurants. His passing left a void in the lives of his family, including his wife, children, and grandchildren, who were left to mourn their sudden and tragic loss.
