On the morning of June 23, 2021, deputies from the Alcorn County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance at a residence in Corinth, Mississippi, where 39-year-old construction worker Robert Alan Blackburn was encountered armed with a knife. After attempts to de-escalate with a taser and pepper spray, Blackburn ran into nearby woods and returned about 30 minutes later still holding the knife. When a deputy again used a taser and Blackburn reportedly lunged with the knife raised, one deputy fired their service weapon and Blackburn was struck.

Deputies immediately rendered first aid and Blackburn was taken to Magnolia Regional Health Center, where he was pronounced dead. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation took over the inquiry into the officer-involved shooting to assess the use of force. No arrests or charges were filed against the deputies involved. Blackburn was born December 17, 1981, in Tupelo and was survived by his parents, siblings, and step-sons; a memorial service was later held.

If anyone witnessed the incident or knew Blackburn and can add context about what led to the disturbance that morning, please share what you know.