In the winter of 2022, the community of Hazlehurst, Mississippi, was struck by a tragedy that ended the life of 43-year-old Joaquin Miller Sr. A dedicated family man and a production technician at Airgas Dry Ice in nearby Star, he was a familiar and respected figure in his community. Born on February 15, 1979, Miller had deep roots in Hazlehurst, having attended the local public schools and being a member of the class of 1997. He was a husband and a father to two sons.
The night of December 17, 2022, turned fatal for Miller. Just before midnight, outside Tootsie's Spot Pool Hall located at 513 Monticello Street in Hazlehurst, he was shot multiple times. When police arrived at the scene, they found Miller with critical gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts made to save him, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The sudden and violent nature of his death sent ripples of shock and grief through his family and the wider Hazlehurst community.
The investigation into the shooting quickly led to a person of interest. Mario Gary, a 29-year-old man, was identified as the primary suspect in the death of Joaquin Miller Sr. Shortly after the incident, Gary turned himself in to the authorities. He was subsequently arrested and formally charged with murder. While an arrest has been made, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear as the police continue their investigation into the circumstances that led to the tragic event. The community is now looking to the legal proceedings for answers and justice for a life cut short.
