Benjamin Price, 39, was found dead in the rear of a residence on Johnson Lane in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, on April 20, 2026. A family member located him and authorities say he had sustained a single gunshot wound to the chest; the Copiah County Sheriff’s Office received the call at about 11:40 a.m. and opened a death investigation.

Deputies secured the scene and began evidence collection while awaiting an autopsy by the state crime lab. Sheriff Byron Swilley described the probe as active but released few details in the immediate aftermath. No suspect information or arrests have been announced and the investigation remains ongoing.

If anyone in Hazlehurst that day saw unusual activity near Johnson Lane or knew Benjamin Price’s recent contacts or movements, please share information with the Copiah County Sheriff’s Office.