4 in custody, shooting in Gibson and Halls Ferry becomes homicide investigation after victim dies – The Vicksburg Post

The investigation into a shooting incident earlier this month just outside Vicksburg city limits turned into a homicide case after the victim died at a nearby hospital on Thursday.

Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace said 27-year-old Devonte Gary died from gunshot wounds sustained in a shooting on Thursday, June 6, at the intersection of Gibson and Halls Ferry Road.

Pace said four suspects are currently in custody. On Friday morning, 24-year-old Willie Johnson was arrested in Tyler, Texas.

Pace said Johnson was taken into custody after police approached him about suspicious behavior and learned of his arrest warrant in Mississippi.

Shortly after noon on Friday, Wilmar Johnson was also arrested in Tyler. Pace said 22-year-old Calbert “Calbo” Cosby and 45-year-old Jermaine “Bones” Johnson were also arrested in Memphis on Friday afternoon.

All four men were charged with drive-by shooting and first-degree murder.

“These are separate charges because the building behind where Mr. Gary was standing when he was shot was also struck by gunfire and was occupied at the time,” Pace said.

Pace said the suspects were believed to be involved not only in the June 6 shooting, but also in a number of other shootings that have occurred in Vicksburg and Warren County in recent weeks.

“We believe these are targeted shootings,” Pace said. “These are not random acts of violence. (Mr. Gary) was definitely the target and as the investigation continues, we expect additional charges to be filed.”

Pace said he could not comment specifically on whether there would be further arrests in connection with the shootings because the investigation is not yet complete.

While the investigation is ongoing, Pace said any information from the public is important to law enforcement. He added that calls can be made to Vicksburg police at 601-636-2511, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office at 601-6361761 or anonymously to Central Mississippi Crime Stoppers at 601-355-TIPS. Pace said it’s important to know that Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to an arrest.

Pace added that the scope of the ongoing investigation is very large, as there have been numerous shootings in both the county and the city of Vicksburg.

“We worked with the Vicksburg Police Department on this case and it went smoothly,” Pace said. “I’m very proud of the relationship we have with the police department and this investigation is an example of that.”

Pace said Warren County officials will travel to both Texas and Tennessee to bring the suspects back to Warren County once the extradition is lifted.