A shooting investigation stemming from an incident earlier this month just outside the Vicksburg city limits has become a murder case after the victim died Thursday in an area hospital.
Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace said 27-year-old Devonte Gary succumbed to injuries from gunshot wounds he suffered during a shooting Thursday, June 6, at the intersection of Gibson and Halls Ferry roads.
Pace said four suspects are currently in custody. Friday morning, 24-year-old Willie Johnson was arrested in Tyler, Texas.
Pace said Johnson was taken into custody after law enforcement approached him for suspicious behavior and became aware of his warrant in Mississippi.
Just after noon on Friday, Wilmar Johnson was also arrested in Tyler. Pace said, also on Friday afternoon, 22-year-old Calbert “Calbo” Cosby, and 45-year-old Jermaine “Bones” Johnson, were arrested in Memphis.
All four men have been charged with drive-by shooting and first degree murder.
“These are separate charges, because the building behind where Mr. Gary was standing when he was shot was also struck by gunfire, and it was occupied at the time,” Pace said.
Pace said the suspects are believed to be involved in not only the June 6 shooting, but also a number of other shootings that have occurred throughout Vicksburg and Warren County in recent weeks.
“We believe these to be targeted shootings,” Pace said. “These are not random acts of violence. (Mr. Gary) was absolutely the target and, as the investigation continues, we are working with near-certainty that additional charges will be filed.”
As to whether or not Pace expects more arrests in connection with the shootings, he said he could not comment specifically as of Friday afternoon, as the investigation remains open.
As that investigation continues, Pace said any information from the public is important to law enforcement, adding calls can be made to Vicksburg Police Department at 601-636-2511, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office at 601-6361761 or anonymously to Central Mississippi Crime Stoppers at 601-355-TIPS. Pace said it is important to note that Crime Stoppers offers a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to an arrest.
Pace added that the scope of the ongoing investigation is wide, given multiple shootings have occurred across both the county and the city of Vicksburg.
“We have been working this case with Vicksburg Police Department and it has been a seamless effort,” Pace said. “I’m very proud of the relationship we have with the PD and this investigation is an example of that.”
Pace said Warren County deputies will be traveling to both Texas and Tennessee to transport the suspects back to Warren County once extradition has been waived.
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