In a tragic turn of events on a Wednesday evening in Natchez, Mississippi, a father's attempt to intervene in a teenage dispute ultimately cost him his life. Mikel Chatman, a 31-year-old man, was fatally shot on January 20, 2021, while trying to break up a fight involving his son. The altercation took place at the Williams Apartments on Aldrich Street, where police were initially called for a report of a fight between two juveniles.
While officers were en route, the situation escalated, and the call was upgraded to shots fired. Upon their arrival at approximately 6:40 p.m., they discovered Mikel Chatman lying on his back with a gunshot wound. Emergency medical services airlifted him to a hospital in Jackson for treatment, but he later succumbed to his injuries. Investigators determined that Chatman had been shot when he stepped in to stop the fight between his son and another teenager.
The day after the shooting, law enforcement arrested 17-year-old Terrance Shelvy Jr. in connection with Chatman's death. He was subsequently charged with murder and tried as an adult. Community members and witnesses played a crucial role in the investigation, providing police with descriptions and the direction the suspect fled, which aided in his swift apprehension.
In July 2024, at the age of 20, Terrance Shelvy pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of second-degree murder for his role in the death of Mikel Chatman. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the crime. Under the terms of his sentence, he is required to serve the full 30 years.
