Two men allegedly faced off with guns Tuesday in Charleston, leaving one dead and the other shot and charged with murder as he recovers in an area hospital.
A third person also has been charged with accessory after the fact.
Charleston Police Chief Jerry Williams II identified the deceased as Ja’Tavius D’trel Davis, 20, of Charleston.
Williams said Travarius Tommthie Love, 28, of 286 Cypress St., Charleston, is charged with first-degree murder in connection with Davis’ death, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon due to a prior drug offense. Second District Justice Judge Denise Washington on Wednesday ordered his bond set at $500,000.
Witnesses told police that shortly after 10 a.m., the two became embroiled in a heated altercation outside the Sarah Street apartment complex where Davis resided.
“We don’t know what the argument or disagreement was about,” said Williams, who explained that several witnesses were questioned following the incident. “It’s an ongoing investigation.”
Sakarta Brown, 21, of Rosalind Street, Charleston, was charged with accessory after the fact and possession of a concealed weapon, said the chief.
“After the investigation, Mr. Brown was determined to have been on the scene during the shooting,” he explained, while declining to elaborate on his possible involvement.
On Wednesday, Brown's bond was set at $50,000. However, on Thursday, Williams noted that as a result of further investigation, the accessory charge against Brown will be "reconsidered" at an upcoming court hearing.
The chief said Davis and Love apparently were standing about 10 feet apart when the verbal jabs escalated into violence with guns brandished and shots fired.
Investigators have recovered two firearms — a 9 mm pistol allegedly used by Davis and a 10 mm handgun allegedly fired by Love — as well as seven spent shell casings, Williams noted.
Davis was transported by private vehicle to the emergency room at Tallahatchie General Hospital, where he was dead on arrival, said Tallahatchie County Coroner Ginger Meriwether, who noted that Deputy Coroner Angie Davis made the official pronouncement later.
Williams said Davis appeared to have suffered one gunshot wound that “entered the left side area and exited through the front right chest.”
Davis’ body has been sent to the Mississippi Forensics Laboratory in Pearl, where an autopsy was scheduled.
Love, taken by private vehicle to the emergency room at Panola Medical Center in Batesville, was struck “in the lower left side,” with the projectile exiting the middle of his back, Williams said, adding that he was listed in stable condition late Tuesday afternoon.
A vehicle parked outside the apartments and owned by an uninvolved resident there was hit once by a bullet, the chief noted, but there were no reports of other damages.
Williams said the Tallahatchie County Sheriff’s Office and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation have assisted with the case.
He encouraged anyone having possible information about the incident to contact the Charleston Police Department or sheriff’s office at 662-647-5511 or, to contact MBI, call the Mississippi Highway Patrol's Troop E substation at 1-888-955-1553 or 662-563-6402. Tips also may be posted anonymously to MBI via email to MBITIPS@dps.ms.gov.
Lastly, tips may be phoned in to CrimeStoppers at 1-888-827-4637.
