In the early morning hours of February 26, 2020, a dispute between roommates in Long Beach, Mississippi, ended in the tragic death of 33-year-old Brandon Neal Bodie. Police and emergency medical personnel were dispatched to a residence on North Seashore Avenue around 1 a.m. following a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered Bodie deceased at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds.
The investigation into the shooting quickly focused on Bodie's roommate, 61-year-old Kenneth J.
Sellier. According to police, a physical altercation occurred between the two men inside the home they shared. Sellier was subsequently arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with Bodie's death. He was taken to the Harrison County jail, where his bond was set at $500,000.
In the aftermath of the incident, further details emerged suggesting a possible motive of self-defense. Court records indicate that Sellier told investigators Bodie had been drinking throughout the day and had become aggressive, arguing with both Sellier and his girlfriend. Sellier claimed that Bodie became violent, and he heard his girlfriend tell Bodie to get his hands off her. According to Sellier's account, Bodie then entered his bedroom and struck him in the head. At that point, Sellier stated that he grabbed a handgun he kept by his bed and warned Bodie to back away. He alleged that Bodie instead 'bowed up,' prompting Sellier to fire three rounds. The Gulfport Police Department's Crime Scene Unit and the Harrison County District Attorney's Office assisted the Long Beach Police Department in the investigation.
