Charles Martel Oatis, age 40, was killed by a single gunshot wound shortly after 1:20 a.m. one Monday in May 2024 at an InTown Suites on Highway 49 in Gulfport, Mississippi. After an argument with another man identified as Antwon Duane Williams, Oatis sought help at the hotel manager’s apartment but collapsed and died there; officers found him deceased when they arrived.

Williams, 32, fled the scene and was the subject of an active manhunt before being located and arrested two days later. He was charged with first-degree murder and held at the Harrison County jail on $1 million bond. At a preliminary hearing Williams said he acted in self-defense, alleging Oatis lunged at him; witnesses told investigators Williams fired as soon as Oatis entered the room. A judge found sufficient evidence to send the case to a grand jury.

If anyone was staying at that InTown Suites or witnessed the argument and aftermath, please share what was seen or heard with the authorities.