Henry William Andray was arrested and charged on the evening of Independence Day after firing into a crowded party and injuring seven victims in Ocean Springs. But after further investigation, law enforcement has found the total to be at least 16 injured, including children.
Officials with the Ocean Springs Police Department said that Andray, 68, fired at least one birdshot round, a shotgun shell that sprays many pellets, into a crowded Fourth of July celebration around 9:30 p.m. Upon his arrest, Andray refused to give a reason for why he shot into the crowd. He had no previous arrests or known connection with those at the party.
Following his first arrest, Andray was released on bond for the four initial aggravated assault charges. But after investigators found that nine more people, including three children, were injured, Andray turned himself back into custody.
He now faces nine additional charges of aggravated assault and three charges of child abuse-serious bodily harm. Each aggravated assault charge was issued a $250,000 bond and a $1 million bond for each child abuse charge, bringing the total to $5,250,000.
None of the victims suffered life threatening injuries and all have been released after medical treatment, but officials said that some of the individuals may require further medical procedures in the future.
When re-booked into the Jackson County Adult Detention Center, Andray again declined to give a motive for the shooting. Ocean Springs Deputy Chief Steven Dye reported that no calls or complaints were made to police before the shooting.
