In the summer of 2021, the life of 28-year-old Arshuntay DesMona Brown, a Black/African American woman from Starkville, Mississippi, was tragically cut short. On June 11, first responders were called to a residence on Bethel Road following a report of a shooting. Inside, they discovered Ms. Brown, who had sustained a fatal single gunshot wound.
The Oktibbeha County Sheriff's Department immediately launched an extensive investigation into her death.
Present at the scene when deputies arrived was Sedrick Beckum, 52, who was identified as Ms. Brown's boyfriend. While the homicide investigation was in its initial stages, authorities arrested Beckum on 19 counts of animal cruelty due to the condition of dogs at the residence. He was later released on bond for these charges.
Months later, the investigation into Arshuntay Brown's death reached a significant turning point. After evidence processed by the State Crime Lab linked him to the murder, Sedrick Beckum was arrested on December 16, 2021. He was charged with second-degree murder in connection with her death. Following this charge, Beckum was held at the Oktibbeha County Jail with his bond set at $1 million.
