The tragic death of 6-year-old Zaylan Sparkman is beginning to unfold on the Gulf Coast.
On August 4, 2017, the Gulfport Police Department arrested 16-year-old Albert Deonta Craft
III, of Gulfport, on the charge of manslaughter.
At 6 p.m., the Gulfport Police Department responded to a reported shooting. Upon arrival officers found 6-year-old Zaylan Sparkman, of Gulfport, suffering from a gunshot wound. The child was transported to an area hospital where he died as a result of his injury.
During the investigation, Craft was identified as the suspect. The investigation revealed Craft fired a handgun with a single round striking Sparkman. Craft was taken into custody without incident.
After booking and other procedures, Craft was transported to the Harrison County Adult
Detention Facility to be held in lieu of a $100,000.00 bond set by Justice Court Judge Melvin Ray.
