FRANKLIN COUNTY, Miss. — One man is dead and another is fighting for his life after a shooting early Saturday morning in Franklin County. Authorities have identified the suspect as 24-year-old Roeland Williams, who remains at large as law enforcement agencies across multiple counties join forces to locate him.
According to Franklin County Sheriff Tom Tindle, deputies were called to the 500 block of Mildred Davis Road around 1:30 a.m. following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers discovered three victims suffering from gunshot wounds. One of them, 26-year-old John Starks III, was pronounced dead at the scene. Another man sustained critical injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, while a third victim was also shot but is expected to survive.
Sheriff Tindle identified Williams as the primary suspect in the deadly shooting. “He is a resident of Franklin County, but we have received information that he has been spending considerable time recently in Adams County,” Tindle said. The sheriff added that his office has alerted Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten and other law enforcement agencies in Natchez, who are now working together in the search for the suspect.
Investigators have not yet determined a motive for the shooting, and authorities are urging anyone with information about Williams’ whereabouts to contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office immediately. Officials described him as armed and dangerous and warned residents not to approach him if spotted.
The community has been left shaken by the violence, as friends and relatives of the victims gathered near the scene early Saturday to grieve. “This is a small community, and everyone knows each other,” one local resident said. “It’s just heartbreaking to see this kind of tragedy happen here.”
Sheriff Tindle assured the public that every available resource is being used to find Williams and bring him into custody. “We’re working closely with neighboring agencies to ensure this individual is apprehended quickly,” he said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families during this incredibly difficult time.” The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.