In a tragic turn of events on the evening of June 16, 2022, Monique Cierra McDonald, a 25-year-old female, lost her life in her New Hope residence just outside of Columbus, Mississippi. Having relocated to the area only six months prior, the Corinth native was fatally shot in what authorities have described as a domestic dispute. Lowndes County Sheriff's deputies responded to a call at approximately 5:45 p.m. on Ben Christopher Road, where they discovered McDonald unresponsive with a gunshot wound to her neck. Despite their arrival, she had no pulse.
The investigation into the shooting pointed to a struggle over a firearm between McDonald and her boyfriend, Joshua Daunte Whitley. Whitley, who was present at the scene when law enforcement arrived, was quickly identified as a person of interest. Following questioning by investigators, the 26-year-old was taken into custody.
Authorities subsequently charged Joshua Daunte Whitley with second-degree murder in connection with Monique Cierra McDonald's death. The incident has been characterized as a domestic dispute that escalated to a physical altercation involving a gun. The Lowndes County Coroner confirmed McDonald's identity and her body was sent to the state crime lab for an autopsy. Whitley was booked into the Lowndes County jail to await his initial court appearance.
