Clay County, Mississippi — A man is in custody following a shocking incident that left six people dead, including a young child. Daricka Moore, 24, has been charged with first-degree murder, with authorities indicating that the charges may soon be upgraded to capital murder, which could expose him to the death penalty if he is deemed mentally competent.
During a Saturday news briefing, Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott detailed the disturbing events that unfolded on Friday evening. He confirmed that Moore is suspected of fatally shooting multiple family members, as well as a local pastor.
“This is horrific. It’s about as bad as it gets,” commented Scott Colom, the district attorney for the area. He emphasized the gravity of this case, calling it one of the most challenging investigations he has encountered in his career.
According to investigators, the initial shootings took place around 7 p.m. at a residence on David Hill Road. The deceased victims included Glen Moore, 67; Willie Guines, 55; and Quinton Moore, 33, who were identified as relatives of the suspect.
Following these events, Moore allegedly traveled to another address on Blake Road, where he attempted to sexually assault a seven-year-old girl who was also part of his family before shooting her. This tragic aspect of the crime has particularly unsettled the local community.
Sheriff Scott remarked on the profound impact of the incident, emphasizing the emotional toll it has taken on residents. “Personally, I don’t know what kind of motive you could have to kill a seven-year-old,” he stated, highlighting the horror surrounding the girl’s death.
Authorities later tracked Moore to the Siloam-Griffith Road area, where he had stolen a truck belonging to his deceased brother. Deputies discovered the vehicle hidden near a residence and found two additional victims, identified as Barry Bradley and his son Samuel Bradley, who had also suffered fatal gunshot wounds. One of the Bradleys was a pastor in the community.
The motive for these brutal attacks remains unclear, and officials are working to understand the relationships between Moore and the victims. Sheriff Scott described the investigation as one of the toughest he has faced in over three decades of service.
Moore was apprehended shortly before midnight at the intersection of Pine Grove Road and Joe Myers Road while driving the stolen truck. Autopsies are set to be conducted by Mississippi’s crime lab to confirm details about the victims.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, and prosecutors have indicated that they will consider seeking the death penalty as the case develops. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, local leaders are urging residents to come together amid the sorrow.