Fight between prison guards turns deadly as one pulls out gun, Mississippi officials say
A correctional officer was shot to death in the parking lot of a Mississippi prison, and a coworker is accused of pulling the trigger, officials say.
The “tragic and fatal altercation” happened around 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26, outside the East Mississippi Correctional Facility in Meridian, according to Management & Training Corporation, which runs the prison.
The two guards were on duty when they got into a fight, WTOK reported, citing Lauderdale County Chief Deputy Ward Calhoun. Authorities didn’t say what led to the dispute.
“Officers immediately responded after hearing a gunshot and placed the suspect in restraints,” an MTC spokesperson told McClatchy News in a statement. “Local law enforcement and emergency personnel arrived soon after.”
The guard who was shot died at the scene. Mississippi Bureau of Investigation officials identified him as Justin Whipps, 30.
“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family,” the MTC spokesperson said, adding that the company is “committed to supporting them through this very difficult time.”
The other guard, who wasn’t named, was arrested by Lauderdale County deputies, officials said. It’s not clear what charges he’s facing.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is handling the case, a spokesperson confirmed.
The agency didn’t release additional details, but said the investigation is “open and ongoing.”
Meridian is about 90 miles east of downtown Jackson.
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