Javon L. Carpenter, 23, was fatally shot on the afternoon of Monday, January 16, 2023, around 3 p.m. while riding a side-by-side ATV on Sims Thornhill Road, just north of Tylertown in Walthall County. He and another occupant, Travis Williams, were ambushed by gunfire; both were struck. Carpenter was taken to Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg and was pronounced dead on arrival. Williams survived and was transported for treatment.

Carpenter, born June 13, 1999, lived in Summit, Mississippi. The shooting has left a community and family seeking answers.

If anyone saw activity on Sims Thornhill Road that afternoon or has information about the ambush, contact investigators.