In the late morning of November 26, 2021, tragedy struck in Ridgeland, Mississippi, ending the life of 15-year-old Marcus Hemmingway. A student at Olde Towne Middle School, the young male was at an apartment complex on Pine Knoll Drive when gunfire erupted. Just before noon, Ridgeland police were inundated with multiple 911 calls from residents of the Northbrook II apartment complex reporting the sound of gunshots.
Upon their arrival at 125 Pine Knoll Drive, officers discovered Hemmingway suffering from at least two gunshot wounds, one to his torso and another to his legs. First responders administered aid, but the teenager succumbed to his injuries at the scene. While there were no direct eyewitnesses to the shooting, reports indicated that a possible suspect was seen fleeing the area. The victim was identified after his family approached the police at the scene.
The investigation into the homicide progressed quickly.
Based on information and leads from citizens in the area, Ridgeland Police Department investigators were able to identify a person of interest. A 16-year-old resident of Ridgeland was taken into custody for questioning. Following an interview, the teenager was charged with murder in connection with Hemmingway's death. The name of the suspect has been withheld pending communication with the Madison County District Attorney's Office and the Madison County Youth Courts for prosecution.
