Marcus Wheatley, 40, was fatally shot at his residence on Highway 35 North in Sardis, Mississippi, on July 19, 2023. The Panola County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about 12:30 p.m. and found Wheatley deceased from multiple gunshot wounds.

Investigators identified 20-year-old Cadarrius Pride, a rapper who performs as Superstar Pride, as the suspect. Wheatley was reportedly Pride’s barber and the two were described as close. Officials say the dispute arose after Wheatley could not accompany Pride to California for a music video shoot. Pride allegedly entered Wheatley’s home, pursued him and shot him several times. Wheatley’s grandmother, Mary Ann Strong, witnessed the attack and described Pride firing a final shot into Wheatley’s head after pointing the gun at her and asking if she would report it.

Pride’s family contacted law enforcement later that day; at 4:47 p.m. Pride turned himself in and was charged with first-degree murder and booked into the Panola County Detention Center. He was denied bond. Authorities say there have been subsequent shootings in the area that they believe may be connected and that targeted individuals close to Pride have been attacked.

If anyone knew Marcus Wheatley, his movements that day, or has information about related shootings, please come forward.