In the late hours of May 20, 2023, a dispute at a Circle K convenience store in Vicksburg, Mississippi, escalated into a fatal encounter for 46-year-old Shirray Harris. The incident, which began as a verbal altercation, ultimately led to his tragic death from a shooting.
The conflict reportedly started between Byron Griffin and another man, John Dolley. Harris, who was present at the scene, is said to have intervened in an attempt to de-escalate the situation and act as a peacemaker. However, the argument intensified, drawing Harris directly into the confrontation with Griffin.
The verbal dispute quickly turned physical. According to testimony and video surveillance presented in court, Harris and Griffin exchanged words before the situation escalated. At one point, witnesses claimed Griffin chased Harris to his vehicle with an axe handle. Near Harris's car, the two men continued to argue, and Harris reportedly struck Griffin on the head with a pistol. A struggle for the weapon ensued, with both men wrestling on the ground. Griffin managed to gain control of the firearm and fired two shots at Harris, the second of which proved to be fatal.
Byron Griffin was arrested at the scene and was subsequently charged with the first-degree murder of Shirray Harris. The case went to trial in March 2024. Prosecutors argued that Griffin was the aggressor, pointing to witness statements that he was acting aggressively and had chased Harris with an axe handle. The defense presented a different narrative, claiming Griffin acted in self-defense. Griffin testified that Dolley had been confrontational and that Harris had threatened him. He stated that Harris initiated the physical altercation by hitting him with the gun. After a three-day trial, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict after five hours of deliberation, resulting in a mistrial.
Following the mistrial, Byron Griffin accepted a plea deal. He pleaded guilty to a downgraded charge of heat of passion manslaughter. In August 2024, a judge sentenced Griffin to a 20-year suspended sentence for his role in the death of Shirray Harris.
