Eugene Wheeler was a 73-year-old man from the rural Marcella community of Holmes County, Mississippi, known locally as Deacon Eugene Wheeler. On the morning of April 8, 2017, deputies found him dead on his front porch with two gunshot wounds.

Investigators say tension had been rising between Eugene and his adult son Israel Wheeler, 51. Earlier that week deputies responded to a domestic violence call and Israel was arrested; family members later posted bond and secured his release. Authorities allege Israel returned to his father’s home and, within hours of being freed, the confrontation ended with Eugene shot dead. Holmes County officials arrested Israel and charged him with murder; court records later show a manslaughter conviction and a twenty-year sentence.

Eugene was buried in Sweet Kingdom Baptist Cemetery in Bee Lake and is remembered in memorial listings as Deacon Eugene Wheeler. If anyone knew Eugene, his family, or saw activity around the Marcella home in early April 2017, please share what was observed.