MADISON COUNTY, Miss.- Rankin County Chancery Judge Dan Fairly was found dead Friday afternoon on Highway 43 at the Natchez Trace. While an autopsy hasn’t been completed, and the cause and manner of death have yet to be determined, many sources believe it to be an apparent suicide, by way of a gunshot wound to the head.
Mississippi Highway Patrol is taking the lead on this case, but MBI and Madison and Rankin County investigators all initially responded to the scene.
Governor Phil Bryant released a statement on Fairly’s death:
“Deborah and I are saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Judge Fairly. I have known him for many years during my time living in Rankin County. We are praying for his family.”
The body is being transported to the medical examiner’s office for an autopsy.
Fairly was sworn in as a Rankin Count Chancery Judge for the first time on Jan. 2, 2007. He began practicing law in January 1981. He was a graduate of Belhaven College and the University of Mississippi School of Law.
