In a quiet neighborhood near the reservoir in Rankin County, Mississippi, a dispute between neighbors escalated to a fatal confrontation on December 28, 2020. Christopher Kent Miln, a 54-year-old white male, was shot and killed during an altercation with his 18-year-old neighbor. The incident, which reportedly stemmed from an ongoing property dispute, was partially captured on video by another neighbor.
The recording showed a heated argument between Miln and DeShawn Douglas, an
18-year-old Black male. The verbal exchange turned physical, and at one point, Miln appeared to spit at Douglas. While the video ended before the shooting, authorities state that shortly after the recorded confrontation, Douglas shot Miln multiple times. Miln later succumbed to his wounds.
Following the shooting, Douglas fled the scene but was arrested a short time later without incident. He was subsequently charged with first-degree murder and was initially denied bond. However, Douglas was later released from jail. His attorney has maintained that his client acted in self-defense.
According to the defense attorney, Douglas and his family, including his 13-year-old brother, had been subjected to months of threats of violence from Miln. The attorney claims that on the day of the shooting, Miln violently attacked Douglas, grabbing him from behind and putting him in a chokehold. It was also stated that Douglas had previously filed assault charges against Miln, which resulted in a no-contact order against Miln. Despite his release from jail, the first-degree murder charge against DeShawn Douglas has not been dropped, and his attorney is seeking a favorable resolution to the case.
