Dustin Patton, 41, was shot while working in Coahoma County, Mississippi, on the evening of July 16, 2024. Patton, a Harrison, Arkansas resident who had worked in the area for about 15 years as an agricultural worker, went to investigate an alert about a malfunctioning irrigation pivot pump around 9 p.m. He was later found in his truck near Friars Point Road and Highway 1; the vehicle had been struck by gunfire at least 15 times and one round entered through the rear glass and passed through the headrest.

Patton was airlifted to a Memphis hospital in critical condition and died of his injuries on July 19, 2024. His wallet, a laptop, an unfired pistol, and thousands of dollars in tools and farm equipment remained in the truck, and robbery did not appear to be the motive. The Coahoma County Sheriff’s Department opened an intensive investigation, has not announced any arrests, and has said a motive remains undetermined; authorities also noted other shootings in the area that may be gang-related and appear random.

If anyone was in the Friars Point Road and Highway 1 area that evening or has information about activity around irrigation sites or farm vehicles on July 16, please contact the Sheriff’s Office.