Hazlehurst family demands justice for daughter killed in June shooting

HAZLEHURST, Mississippi (WJTV) – A month after a 22-year-old Hazlehurst mother was shot and killed, her family is still seeking justice.

Clarissa Belton, Elexus Joiner’s mother, believes Hazlehurst police are not thoroughly investigating the case.

Her family described Joiner as a kind-hearted person who loved dancing and spending time with her two children.

Joiner was shot and killed on Stowell Street in June. Fredrequez Gary, 32, has been charged with murder in that case. Belton believes Gary’s girlfriend is the one who killed Joiner.

“And he runs up there and tells people he did it, even though he knows he didn’t. He hit me. He pistol-whipped me. I was in intensive care, but I still made it. My kid didn’t make it. No, you all need to look into this,” Belton said.

“Her butt was there before and after the crime. She had her baby in her arms when she was shot. What kind of justice do we have?” asked Tammy Jones, Joiner’s grandmother.

Belton said she has contacted Hazlehurst police multiple times to complain about harassment and bullying via social media about her daughter’s death. Hazlehurst Police Chief Anthony Parker said he has been informed of the harassment and has advised those affected to file a report.

Police said evidence has been sent to the Mississippi Crime Lab and the investigation is ongoing.