A respected Laurel, Mississippi man was shot to death at his home on the morning of Friday, June 19, 2026. Vernon Ellis Tew Jr, 69, was found on his lawnmower near his residence with at least one gunshot wound to the abdomen. The shooting ended the life of a long-time oil industry professional, founding elder and Praise Team musician at Crossgate Bible Church, and a 1976 graduate of Northeast Jones High School who had recently marked his 50th class reunion.

Authorities say the killing grew out of a family dispute over estate matters. William Hill, 67, Tew’s brother-in-law, surrendered to police the same day and was charged with first-degree murder; a judge in Jones County Justice Court denied his request for bond. The charge is pending in the court system as the investigation and prosecution proceed.

Does anyone in Laurel or the surrounding area have information about family tensions or the events on June 19 that could help clarify what happened?