HOLMES COUNTY – A Yalobusha man was killed and his brother seriously injured after authorities said they were allegedly gunned down during a drug deal earlier this week. A suspect is being questioned in that assault.
Holmes County Sheriff Willie March said 28-year old Justin Moss was shot to death on Tuesday, Nov. 10, as he attempted to buy drugs from another man on Dog Pen Road in Durant. Sheriff March said during his investigation, he learned that Moss, his brother Gage, 19, and two other men reportedly came to Holmes County looking to buy a pound of marijuana. March said while Gage was negotiating the deal, the seller tried to rob him and opened fire with a 9 mm handgun.
“They made it to the residence to pick up the drugs,” March said. “And the suspect came up and said he ‘would take care of them.’ And shots were fired.”
March said Gage Moss was standing in the front yard when the shooting began and he jumped back into the 2000 Ford Expedition his brother, Justin, was driving. Two other men, including the owner of the vehicle, were also in the truck.
“The brother was hit twice in the hand and in the back area as he jumped in the truck,” March said. “The other two passengers were not injured and Justin, as he was backing up he was shot several times in the chest area.”
Justin was found in the vehicle when authorities arrived and was pronounced dead at the scene. Several 9 mm shell casings were also found at the scene. The gun has not been recovered.
March said witnesses led them to 17-year old Malcon Sandifer of Durant. Sandifer was apprehended in Jackson on Thursday, Nov. 12.
“He called his mother and she told him to turn himself in,” March said. “So, our deputies went down there and met with the Marshalls and the mother told them where to go to get him.”
Sandifer, who has no priors in Holmes County, was charged with aggravated assault and murder. His bond has not been set.
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