In the early hours of March 8, 2020, Byron Stokes, a 34-year-old Black male, was fatally shot in Canton, Mississippi. He was sitting in his car outside of his residence on Isabella Street at approximately 2 a.m. when an unknown individual approached the vehicle and opened fire. Stokes suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died from his injuries shortly thereafter.
The Canton Police Department quickly classified the shooting as a homicide and began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Despite their efforts, a suspect has not been publicly identified, and no arrests have been made in connection with the murder. The motive for the shooting remains unclear to investigators, making the case particularly challenging to solve.
Authorities have made public appeals for information, urging anyone with knowledge of the shooting to come forward and contact the police or Crime Stoppers. The lack of immediate leads has left the investigation ongoing. In the wake of his death, friends and family mourned the loss of Stokes, who was remembered as a barber and entrepreneur. Funeral services were held the following Saturday at the Liberty Missionary Baptist Church in Canton.
