In the winter of 2020, the life of 26-year-old Dylan Austin Cayson of Nettleton, Mississippi, was tragically cut short. A white male, Cayson was a father and a sawmill worker who was known for his love of the outdoors. His family reported him missing on Saturday, February 8, 2020. The search for Cayson came to a grim conclusion the following week.
On Wednesday, February 12, 2020, investigators, acting on a lead, discovered Cayson's body submerged in an abandoned 30-foot well in the
Carolina Community of Itawamba County. He had been shot, and his body was found under debris and water. The investigation quickly pointed to foul play, with robbery being considered as a potential motive for the crime.
In connection with Cayson's death, authorities arrested 25-year-old Mitchell Shumpert. Shumpert, who lived in a trailer approximately 75 feet from where the body was discovered, was taken into custody at the property. He was subsequently charged with capital murder. Investigators believe that Cayson and Shumpert were acquainted with each other. The Itawamba County Sheriff's Department led the investigation into the homicide.
