In the quiet town of Batesville, Mississippi, the life of 35-year-old Roary Thomas was tragically cut short on the afternoon of March 2, 2017. Thomas was found in a parked car on Bradford Street, having succumbed to gunshot wounds, in what investigators believe was a drug deal that escalated into a fatal robbery. This violent act set in motion a comprehensive investigation that would lead to the identification and arrest of two primary suspects, shedding light on a narrative of crime and its
devastating consequences.
The initial stages of the investigation quickly centered on two individuals: 18-year-old Nakia Lamar and 16-year-old Cordarius D. Strong. Lamar was apprehended and charged with capital murder shortly after the incident. Strong, however, managed to evade law enforcement for nearly three months, prompting a widespread manhunt. During this time, a troubling picture emerged of a network of family and associates who actively aided Strong in his flight from justice. This led to a series of arrests, with several of Strong's relatives, including his mother, sister, and a cousin, facing charges of accessory after the fact to capital murder for their roles in helping him hide from the authorities. Another individual was also charged with accessory after allegedly assisting Strong in his escape and threatening the other suspect, Nakia Lamar, to ensure his silence.
The intricate details of the crime came to light through testimony from law enforcement. It was revealed that a fourth person had arranged a drug deal between Thomas, Strong, and Lamar. Inside the vehicle, the situation took a dark turn when Strong allegedly demanded everything Thomas had. When Thomas attempted to flee, he was shot from the back seat. The case against both Lamar and Strong was eventually bound over to the Panola County Grand Jury.
Ultimately, the legal process brought a measure of resolution, though not without complexity. Cordarius D. Strong, the suspected shooter, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of second-degree murder and awaited sentencing. In a separate proceeding, four of his family members also entered guilty pleas for their roles in assisting him after the murder. While the fate of Nakia Lamar was initially set for the grand jury, public records do not provide further details on the final disposition of his case. The story of Roary Thomas's untimely death serves as a somber reminder of how a single act of violence can ripple through a community, leaving a trail of legal battles and personal loss in its wake.
