On a tragic day in Jackson, Mississippi, Percy King, a 57-year-old man cherished by his community, was shot and killed at his home on Scott Street. The incident, which occurred on January 12, 2018, also claimed the life of 19-year-old Jarvis Birtfield. When police officers arrived at the scene shortly before 12:30 p.m., they discovered King in his front yard with multiple gunshot wounds.
Birtfield was found deceased nearby on the street, having sustained a gunshot wound to the head.
The swift response of law enforcement led to the immediate apprehension of a suspect. An off-duty Hinds County deputy, who witnessed the attack along with a neighbor, detained 35-year-old Jamario Bell at the scene until Jackson police arrived. Bell was subsequently arrested in connection with the two deaths.
Percy King, affectionately known as the 'Snake Man,' was a beloved wildlife educator who had dedicated his life to fostering a connection between people and animals. He worked at the Jackson Zoo for many years and was appointed to the zoo's board in 2017. King was a familiar and welcome presence in schools and community programs, where he shared his passion for reptiles and other creatures, aiming to replace fear with respect and understanding. His untimely death was a shock to the community that he had served for so long.
Following his arrest, Jamario Bell was charged with the murders of Percy King and Jarvis Birtfield. In September 2025, a Hinds County jury found Bell guilty on two counts of first-degree murder. He was subsequently sentenced to two life sentences in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, bringing a measure of justice to the families of the two victims and a community that mourned the loss of a local icon.
