An 18-year-old, Jayrell Cox, was killed by a gunshot during an attempted home invasion in Moss Point, Mississippi, on the evening of Thursday, September 21, 2023. The incident took place in the 6200 block of Elder Ferry Road after a homeowner found two armed men under his carport. According to investigators, the two men allegedly tried to force their way into the house and an exchange of gunfire followed between the homeowner and the suspects.

Both suspects ran from the scene after the shooting. The homeowner did not know if either had been wounded; the next morning, about 11 a.m. on Friday, September 22, a nearby resident found a deceased male in her backyard. Investigators identified him as Jayrell Cox and concluded he was one of the two suspects, believed to have fled after being shot and then collapsed in the yard. The Moss Point Police Department is investigating and the case will be presented to a Jackson County Grand Jury. No public ID or arrest has been announced for the second suspect.

If anyone in the community saw activity around Elder Ferry Road that night or knows anything about the second suspect, please share what information is available with investigators.