Clarksdale police responded to a shooting and their subsequent investigation has led to the arrest of a woman on charges of murder.
Officers responded to a phone call of a shooting at Page and Roosevelt Avenues Monday and when they arrived discovered a woman had been shot.
The victim, who police reports did not identify, was transported to a hospital in Memphis where police said she died.
Police said their investigation led to the arrest of Mariah Ratliff, no age or address given, on May 10 on the charge of murder. Ratliff’s bond was set at $200,000.
The Clarksdale Police Department is asking anyone with information about this incident to call them at 662-621-8156 or simply dial 911 to help them build their case.
Residents can also call the Coahoma County Sheriff’s Department at 624-2411. All calls remain anonymous.
Domestic Assaults
The Clarksdale Police Department worked two domestic violence calls with charges of aggravated assault alleged by officers and investigators who worked the incidents over the weekend.
Police also worked two vehicle thefts, a home burglary, an auto burglary and three reports of shots fired.
A child was cut during one of the domestic violence incidents.
State law requires officers to file charges of domestic violence if they are called to or discover evidence and believe a violent act has occurred in a home among family or even friends. Officers who see blood, bruises, torn clothing or even red marks must file domestic violence charges or they can be charged with failure to uphold Mississippi’s domestic violence prevention laws and upon conviction, lose their job.
The first incident of Aggravated Assault/Domestic Violence was reported Friday in the 1200 block of South Edwards Street.
Police reports said a child was cut during an altercation between two individuals.
Police reports did not give the name of those involved or the name of anyone arrested.
The second incident of Aggravated Assault/Domestic Violence was reported Saturday in the 100 block of 18th Street. In that incident, police reports said a person was shot by another person during an altercation.
Again police reports did not give the name of those involved or the name of anyone arrested.
Aggravated assault is defined as injury or threat to a person to make them fear for their life or assault with a weapon. It is punishable by up to 20-years in prison and a $10,000 fine. An adult who assaults a juvenile can find the penalty enhanced to 30-years in prison.
Residential Burglary and Vehicle theft
Police were called to the 600 block of Page Street on Saturday and reported cash was taken from the residence and a pickup truck was stolen. Reports did not give a description of the truck.
Auto theft
Clarksdale Police were called to the 2100 block of Cardinal Lane on a report of a car stolen.
A person convicted of grand larceny/auto theft faces the following felony penalties:
- If the property is valued at $1,000 or more but less than $5,000, the offender faces up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The penalty increases to a ten-year felony sentence if the property is stolen from a place of worship.
- If the property is valued at $5,000 or more but less than $25,000, the offender faces a maximum sentence of ten years' imprisonment and a $10,000 fine.
- If the property is valued at $25,000 or more, the offender faces a 20-year maximum prison sentence and a fine of $10,000.
Auto Burglary
A report of auto burglary was reported in the 1100 block of Wildcat Drive.
Police said cash was allegedly taken from the vehicle.
Shots fired
The Clarksdale Police Department has received and investigated the following reports of shots fired:
• 600 block of Garfield Street on Saturday.
• South Edwards and Wilson on Saturday.
• 500 block of School Street on Sunday night.
Police are asking residents to call them immediately when they hear shots fired in their neighborhood, give a location of where the shot came from and police will respond to the scene and check for evidence.
