A fight over ice at a Mississippi convenience store turned into a deadly shooting. Was the killing justified? – Magnolia State Live

An apparent argument over a cup of ice at a Mississippi convenience store turned into a shooting Friday night that left one person dead and questions about whether the shooting suspect will face charges.

The Natchez Democrat reports that Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten condemned the shooting as a “senseless act of violence.”

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call at approximately 7:20 p.m. reporting a shooting at the Shell station located at 787 US 61 North in Washington. According to Sheriff Patten, a passing driver pulled over a passing deputy and reported an active shooter at the station.

Upon arrival, deputies found one suspect sitting near a gas station and detained him, seizing a semi-automatic weapon. Inside the store, they found a fatally wounded man on the floor, later identified as James Keating.

A description of the incident from a news release from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office:

“The shooter set down a cup of ice while in the store with other customers. The victim entered the store and was picking up some drinks when he accidentally knocked over a cup. The dispute arose after the shooter implied he had a gun, but never drew or pointed it at the victim. Keating then left the store and retrieved a gun from his car. When he entered the store again, he was immediately confronted by the shooter. The dispute turned physical when Keating attacked the shooter, who shot Keating several times in return.”

Patten said investigators received a lot of evidence, including video, audio and witness statements, and everyone present at the time of the shooting was cooperative, including the shooter.

Sheriff Patten consulted with Sixth Circuit District Attorney Tim Cotton and asked that the case be referred to the next Grand Jury to determine appropriate charges or determine if the killing was justifiable.

The sheriff has not released the name of the suspect in the shooting, who is not currently in custody pending further court proceedings.