A man, aged 24, is now facing murder charges following a tragic series of shootings that left six people dead in northeast Mississippi, officials reported.
The suspect, identified as Daricka M. Moore, was allegedly responsible for the attacks that occurred late Friday in Cedarbluff, a rural area approximately 10 miles from West Point. Among the victims were four members of Moore’s own family, with the youngest being his cousin, according to Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott.
“It’s hard to fathom a motive behind the killing of a 7-year-old,” Sheriff Scott remarked at a Saturday press conference.
Moore was taken into custody and booked at around 3:25 a.m. on Saturday morning, as per the Clay County Sheriff’s Office records.
The charges against Moore include first-degree murder, with the potential to be upgraded to capital murder, as confirmed by Sheriff Scott and Deputy Steven Woodruff.
He has been charged with first-degree murder, a charge that could be elevated to capital murder, Scott and Sheriff’s Deputy Steven Woodruff said.Â
Authorities said additional murder charges may also be filed.
An investigation remains ongoing. A motive for the shootings is not yet clear.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Department is pictured in West Point, Ms. (Google Maps)
According to online records in Clay County, Moore does not have a prior criminal history.Â
“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.”
Early Saturday morning, Scott wrote about the incident in a social media post.
According to online records in Clay County, the suspect does not have a prior criminal history. ( Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images)
“Unfortunately, tonight we have dealt with tragedy in our community. Multiple innocent lives lost due to violence,” Scott wrote. “We do have the individual in custody and no longer poses a threat to our community. I ask that you lift our victims and their families in your prayers. Law enforcement is busy investigating and will release an update as soon as possible.”
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
