In the late spring of 2023, the city of Greenwood, Mississippi, was shaken by a violent act that claimed the life of 45-year-old Dewanna McClee, a Black female. On the evening of May 31st, a targeted drive-by shooting unfolded at the intersection of U.S. 82 and Mississippi 7. This sudden eruption of gunfire not only ended McClee's life but also resulted in the death of 20-year-old Brandon Shaffer Jr.
The violence of that night also left McClee's 24-year-old son, Tamarkus Martin, in critical condition, fighting for his life.
The Greenwood Police Department, led by Chief Terrence Craft, quickly determined that the shooting was not a random act of violence but a deliberate and targeted attack. The investigation moved swiftly, and in the days that followed, two suspects were taken into custody without incident. Authorities identified the individuals as 24-year-old Christopher McNelson and 26-year-old Cordarius Arterberry. Both men were subsequently charged in connection with the murders of McClee and Shaffer.
As the community grappled with the tragedy, those who knew Dewanna McClee remembered her as a dedicated employee at Milwaukee Tool. She was a woman who found joy in supporting her children and grandchildren in their various activities. As of late 2024, both McNelson and Arterberry remained in custody, awaiting trial for their alleged roles in the fatal shooting. The legal process has experienced delays, but the community continues to seek justice for the victims.
