Pair of suspects in deadly string of shootings make court appearance

Two men facing murder charges in relation to a deadly string of shootings in and around Vicksburg in early June made their initial appearances in a Warren County courtroom Monday.

The suspects, 22-year-old Calbert “Calbo” Cosby, and 45-year-old Jermaine “Bones” Johnson, each appeared before Judge Marcie Southerland and each face one count of first degree murder and two counts of drive-by shooting. Both men were formally charged and are being held without bond.

Cosby and Johnson were arrested Friday, June 14, in Memphis after authorities say they fled Warren County in the wake of the shooting death of 27-year-old Devonte Gary. Gary was killed Thursday, June 6, in the parking lot of a convenience store at the intersection of Gibson and Halls Ferry roads.

Also arrested Friday, June 14, in relation to the shooting were 24-year-old Willie Johnson and 23-year-old Wilmar Johnson, both of Warren County. Both men were taken into custody in Tyler, Texas.

Both Johnson men made initial court appearances Friday in front of Southerland. They each face one count of first degree murder and two counts of drive-by shooting and are also being held without bond.

A third suspect also made an appearance in court Friday in relation to the shooting. Adrian Tyler was charged with two counts of aggravated assault and held on a $200,000 bond.

Warren County Sheriff’ Martin Pace, who led the Warren County Sheriff’s Office’s investigation in coordination with Vicksburg Police Department, said the shootings – which took place both inside and outside the Vicksburg city limits over the course of several weeks – said all the incidents appeared to be related and targeting specific individuals.

“We believe these to be targeted shootings,” Pace said during the investigation. “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.”

In addition to Gary’s death, another individual was treated for injuries related to the shootings at an area hospital.