STARKVILLE, MISS– Starkville Police addressed several questionson Monday regarding the shooting death of Mississippi State University student Joseph Tillman that occurred over the weekend.
Tillman was shot and killed in the wee hours of Sunday morning. Four people were arrested and charged in connection to the crime.
20-year old Jaylen M. Barker has been charged with murder with a bond of $1,000,000. 22-year old Jamario Pippins, 16-year old Tyler Harris, and 19-year old Brandon Sherrod were charged with murder, as an accessory, each with a bond of $500,000. All arrestees are from Columbus, in Lowndes county.
In the press conference on Monday, police told the media that an altercation of some kind may have taken place.
“There was some interaction with Mr. Tillman and the suspects for several minutes,” said Starkville Chief of Police Frank Nichols. “We know based on evidence that at least one shot was fired, and the suspect was running towards (Tillman)”
Pippins, Barker, and Sherrod were all before the judge on Monday. Harris’ case must be addressed through the youth court first, since he is only 16.