A 24-year-old man has been formally charged with murder following the tragic deaths of six individuals, including a child, in a string of shootings across northeast Mississippi.

Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott revealed that the victims, consisting of four family members related to the suspect and two other adults, were fatally shot at three distinct locations late Friday night.

The youngest of the victims was the suspect’s cousin, a mere seven years old.

“It’s unfathomable to comprehend what would drive someone to kill a child,” Sheriff Scott expressed during a press conference.

The suspect has been identified as Daricka M. Moore, who is currently facing a first-degree murder charge. This charge might be escalated to capital murder, according to Sheriff Scott.

As the investigation continues, Moore could potentially face additional murder charges.

The shootings took place in the rural community of Cedarbluff, west of the county seat of West Point.

“This guy (the suspect) wasn’t our radar,” Scott said. “This is family members that he went after.”

Online court records in Clay County show Moore has no previous criminal charges.

“A situation like this, you’ve got a family member attacking their own family,” Scott said.

“Whatever the reason is, we’re hoping that we’ll find out.”

Scott said investigators believe Moore placed a gun to the head of a younger child at the home where the seven-year-old died. Investigators aren’t sure whether the gun misfired.

A third young child and their mother was present in that house as well.

The seven-year-old victim was Moore’s second cousin, Scott said.

Investigators hope to have more information and upgraded charges by the time Moore appears before a judge.

An initial appearance is scheduled for Monday.

Scott said no other injuries have been reported beyond the six deaths.