On the night of April 1, 2026, Deputy Sheriff Michael Leroy Jimerson, 61, was shot and killed while responding to a disturbance at the Reserve at Gulf Hills Apartments on Washington Avenue in Ocean Springs. Jimerson, a 16-year veteran of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, encountered a woman who fled when officers arrived; during his pursuit she produced a firearm and opened fire. Jimerson returned fire and both he and the woman were struck. Emergency services transported Jimerson to Ocean Springs Hospital, where he later died; the female suspect died at the scene. No arrests were made because the only suspect was killed during the incident.

Jimerson was a devoted husband of 42 years, father of two and a grandfather, and was described as a steady presence and mentor within his department. The state of Mississippi observed a day of official mourning for his service and sacrifice. Are there witnesses or neighbors who saw the disturbance that night and can add details about what happened at the apartment complex?