Jessie Bradford Jr., 24, died from a gunshot wound after a shooting on Valley Street in the Pineywoods area of Macon, Mississippi, on the afternoon of January 16, 2026. Deputies from the Noxubee County Sheriff’s Department found Bradford at the scene and he was taken to the Noxubee County Emergency Room, where he later died.

Officers arrested 23-year-old Jerlaiquiss Taikun Caldwell at the scene. Sheriff Tedrick Liddell said Caldwell admitted the gun was in his hand when it discharged, and Caldwell was initially charged with murder. That charge was later changed to Manslaughter–Culpable Negligence; a judge set bond at $50,000. The investigation is ongoing and authorities are seeking additional information.

If anyone knew Jessie, witnessed the shooting on Valley Street, or has information that could help the investigation, please contact the Noxubee County Sheriff’s Office or Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers.