The Clarksdale Police Department is investigating an alleged burglary that has left one man dead and sent another man to the hospital following an exchange of gunfire Monday night.
It was the second homicide in seven days and the 17th murder in Clarksdale this year.
Police were initially alerted to the incident at 9:40 p.m. Monday, when a patrol officer spotted a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed with flashing lights. The officer followed in pursuit and the vehicle drove to the hospital where it dropped of a gunshot victim and left.
Police were directed to the 800 block of Home Street where they found Tyrese Holmes, 25, of Clarksdale, dead at the scene.
Investigators with the Clarksdale Police Department were told the victim and two other people came home to the Home Street address and discovered a man wearing a mask burglarizing the home.
“The masked subject fired at least two shots striking the homeowner,” police said in a statement. “The homeowner’s brother returned fire striking the masked subject numerous times, who sustained fatal wounds. The homeowner’s wounds were not life threatening.”
Police also said they believe the alleged burglar fired first and evidence initially indicates the shooting took place inside the residence.
“No charges have been filed at this time and the findings of the investigation will be turned over to the Coahoma County Grand Jury,” police said.
This death marks the 17th death in the community since Jan. 1. It was the second homicide in Clarksdale in less than seven days.
Clarksdale police received a 911 call Tuesday, Sept. 24 of shots fired in the 700 block of Lincoln Street at approximately 7:50 p.m. and, when officers responded to the scene, they found a man dead from numerous gunshot wounds.
The man was identified at Erntray Bailey, 37, no hometown given.
Police did not give a motive for the shooting and no arrest has been announced by police.
This was the community’s 16th murder this year with 14 homicides occurring in Clarksdale and three in Coahoma County since January 1.
There have been three arrests in these homicides with two of the alleged shooters turning themselves in.
The city saw a shooting rampage earlier this year, until a Clarksdale Police officer was shot in broad daylight at a local convenience store following a confrontation at the business.
Since that August 2 shooting, the city and county has only seen three other homicides, with no more in August and one at the end of September. The Aug. 2 shooting was also followed by a curfew for juveniles that expired Aug. 31.
The community is urged to contact police if they have any information about this homicide. Tips can be made anonymously.
Clarksdale PD currently has two investigators assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division and has 24 sworn officers on its roster.
The Coahoma County Sheriff’s office can be reached at 662-351-0594. Tips can also be made anonymously.
