One person was killed at a Mississippi gas station on Friday after an argument erupted over a cup of ice.
According to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, the department received a 911 call at approximately 7:20 p.m. about a subject being shot inside the Shell Station located at 787 Highway 61 North in Natchez.
Upon arriving at the scene, deputies found the suspect sitting by the gas pumps and quickly detained him while confiscating a semi-automatic firearm. Deputies also found one victim who had been fatally shot, identified as James Keating, lying on the floor of the store.
Keating was said to have entered the store before his death to purchase a few drinks when he accidentally knocked the suspect’s cup of ice over. An argument ensued with the shooter – whose identity has not been released at this time – implying that he had a weapon. Keating left the store to retrieve a handgun from his vehicle and that’s when the altercation turned violent. Security camera footage obtained by deputies showed Keating assaulting the suspect before the suspect shot Keating multiple times.
“Sheriff (Travis) Patten stated this appears to be a senseless act of violence that will forever change the two families’ lives,” a press release from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office noted. “Sheriff Patten explained that investigators have obtained a great deal of evidence…and everyone present at the time of the shooting has been cooperative including the shooter.”
The case will be sent to a grand jury to determine the appropriate charges and whether the homicide was justifiable.
