Mississippi man accused of killing six people may face death penalty

A 24-year-old Mississippi man accused of killing six folks — together with members of the family, a toddler and a church pastor — in a violent capturing spree that unfolded throughout a number of rural places Friday night may face the loss of life penalty, prosecutors mentioned.

Daricka M. Moore was being held with out bail within the Clay County Jail in West Level on homicide fees in reference to the slayings of his father, brother, uncle, 7-year-old cousin, a church pastor and the pastor’s brother.

Moore is predicted to make his first court docket look on Monday. He would probably be appointed public defender at the moment, Clay County District Legal professional Scott Colom instructed The Related Press.

Colom mentioned he expects to pursue the loss of life penalty towards Moore. If the cost is upgraded to homicide earlier than the listening to, Moore can be ineligible for bail below state regulation.

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This photograph offered by the Clay County Sheriff’s Workplace exhibits Daricka M. Moore on the Clay County Jail in West Level, Miss., on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. (Clay County Sheriff’s Workplace through AP)

Moore was arrested simply earlier than midnight at a police roadblock in Cedarbluff after dozens of native, state and federal officers swarmed northeast Mississippi. The shootings occurred in a rural space with fields, woods and modest houses.

Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott mentioned proof and witness statements present Moore acted alone. No different accidents had been reported.

Investigators proceed to query Moore however haven’t but decided a motive, Scott mentioned.

“In a state of affairs like this you’ve a member of the family attacking their very own household,” Scott mentioned. “Regardless of the cause, we hope we discover out.”

The Clay County Sheriff’s Division is pictured in West Level, Mississippi. (Google Maps)

Investigators imagine Moore first killed his father, 67-year-old Glenn Moore; his brother, 33-year-old Quinton Moore; and his uncle, 55-year-old Willie Ed Guines, within the household’s cellular residence on a dust street in western Clay County.

Scott mentioned Moore then stole his brother’s truck and drove a couple of miles to a cousin’s home, the place he compelled his approach inside and tried to commit sexual battery. He then put a gun to the top of a 7-year-old woman and fatally shot her.

“I do not know what sort of motive you may must kill a seven-year-old,” Scott mentioned.

The woman’s mom and one other youngster had been additionally within the residence.

Witnesses mentioned Moore later held a gun to a youthful kid’s head, however she was not shot. It stays unclear whether or not he pulled the set off or whether or not the weapon malfunctioned.

“That is how violent it was,” Scott mentioned.

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Moore then drove to the Apostolic Church of the Lord Jesus, a small white-frame church close by the place some members of Moore’s household attend, Scott mentioned. Moore allegedly broke into a house on the church grounds, killed the pastor and his brother and stole considered one of their automobiles.

Authorities arrested Moore at a roadblock at 11:24 p.m., about 4 and a half hours after the preliminary 911 name, Scott mentioned. (Clay County Sheriff’s Workplace/Fb; File)

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The victims had been recognized as Pastor Barry Bradley and Samuel Bradley. Scott mentioned the 2 often lived in close by Columbus however spent weekends at church.

Authorities arrested Moore at a roadblock at 11:24 p.m., about 4 and a half hours after the preliminary 911 name, Scott mentioned. Prosecutors mentioned Moore was armed with each a rifle and a handgun. Investigators are investigating how he obtained the weapons.

The state medical expert is conducting autopsies on all six victims.

Scott mentioned the shootings had left Moore’s surviving household and the small group “actually shaken.”

“It was very troublesome to have conversations with anybody on the market aside from prayers,” he mentioned.

Colom mentioned he’s assured his workplace has the assets to prosecute Moore and that in search of the loss of life penalty is suitable.

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“Six folks, one evening, completely different scenes, it is about as dangerous because it will get,” Colom mentioned.

The Related Press contributed to this report.