The suspect who killed a Hinds County sheriff’s deputy before dying on the scene already had a lengthy rap sheet, according to a new report.
Sheriff Tyree Jones told WLBT-TV that Eric Brown, 42, had been arrested 25 times but was never convicted before shooting Deputy Martin Shields Jr., 37, with a fully automatic rifle on Sunday. Brown’s criminal history included 18 misdemeanor arrests and seven felony arrests, including possession of marijuana, armed robbery, and simple assault.
Shields, who had been with the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office for just nine months, responded to a domestic service call on Midway Road in Terry. Upon arriving at the residence in question, Brown shot and killed the officer before losing his own life, although it’s unclear if it was self-inflicted or at the hands of another deputy.
Brown is believed to have also shot his wife and a female accomplice. Both were transported to the hospital and have been reported to be in stable condition.
The aftermath of Shields’ tragic death has resulted in an outpouring of support, with everyone from ordinary citizens to Gov. Tate Reeves issuing condolences for his family and the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office.
“Mississippi mourns the loss of Hinds County Deputy Martin Shields, Jr., who was killed in the line of duty last night. Deputy Shields is a hero who made our state safer. We will always remember his selfless sacrifice and bravery,” Reeves wrote on social media Monday morning.
Jones referred to Shields as “a hero” who “fulfilled his assignment and God-given mission on earth” to protect and serve. He and others at the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office have parked Shields’ patrol vehicle outside its headquarters in Jackson for people to leave items in his honor.
A public visitation for Shields will take place Saturday at Westhaven Funeral Home in Jackson from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A celebration of life service will follow at the Jackson Revival Center.
