A mother of four is dead and a man is in custody following a shooting and standoff witnessed by children in Robinsonville in Tunica County.
At approximately 9:50 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, the Tunica County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call from an individual stating that a juvenile came to their neighbor's residence stating their mother had been shot inside their apartment at 2669 Kirby Road.
Upon arrival deputies heard additional shots fired inside the residence and secured the area, locating two additional juveniles outside the residence.
Deputies determined the apartment was occupied by one black female, her newborn child, and one black male.
"Deputies secured the scene and evacuated the surrounding residences," the Tunica County Sheriff's Department said in a press release. "Sheriff Deputies spoke to the male suspect inside the apartment via phone and were able to get the subject to release his weapon and come outside of the residence. At approximately 10:35 p.m., Sheriff Deputies detained one, black male suspect."
The man was identified as 37-year-old Donald Demario Patrick of Tunica.
"Patrick told Sheriff Deputies on scene that he shot his child's mother and that there was a newborn inside the residence," the press release said. "Patrick is being held at the Tunica
County Detention Center, pending charges."
Upon entering the apartment deputies found a woman with an apparent gunshot wound. The baby was located, unharmed.
The victim was identified as 34-year-old Shaterica Queshun Bell of Robinsonville.
The sheriff's department said Bell was pronounced dead at the scene by the Tunica County Coroner. and her body will be transported to Mississippi State Crime Lab (Medical Examiner's Office) for an autopsy.
"Our hearts are heavy today for this family," said Sheriff K.C. Hamp. "Please keep their children in your prayers."
This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Tunica County Sheriff's Office at 662-363-1411. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may contact CrimeStoppers at 662-910-0400. CrimeStoppers pays cash rewards for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.
