A tragic incident in rural Mississippi has resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including a 7-year-old girl. Authorities reported that Daricka M. Moore, a 24-year-old man, was arrested following a violent rampage that unfolded over Friday night. The victims included Moore’s father, brother, uncle, and a church pastor along with the pastor’s brother.
The series of shootings occurred at three different locations, primarily in Clay County, approximately 125 miles (200 kilometers) northeast of Jackson. Moore was apprehended at a police roadblock in Cedarbluff shortly before midnight after a coordinated response involving local, state, and federal officers.
According to Clay County District Attorney Scott Colom, Moore faces multiple murder charges and is currently being held without bail at the Clay County jail in West Point. Colom indicated that he intends to pursue the death penalty in this case, emphasizing the severity of the situation. Moore is expected to make an initial court appearance on Monday, March 18, 2024, where he is likely to be appointed a public defender.
The rampage reportedly began in the Moore family’s mobile home, where the suspect is believed to have first killed his father, Glenn Moore (67), his brother, Quinton Moore (33), and his uncle, Willie Ed Guines (55). Following these acts, he allegedly stole his brother’s truck and drove to a relative’s home. There, he attempted to commit sexual battery against his 7-year-old cousin, ultimately shooting her before fleeing the scene.
During a press conference, Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott revealed that witnesses described the violence as shocking, stating, “I don’t know what kind of motive you could have to kill a 7-year-old.” While another child was present, she was not harmed, though the circumstances surrounding the near-shooting remain unclear.
Moore’s next destination was the Apostolic Church of The Lord Jesus, where he broke into a residence and killed the church pastor, Rev. Barry Bradley, and his brother, Samuel Bradley. The two men frequently spent weekends at the church, which is also attended by some members of the Moore family.
Authorities apprehended Moore at 11:24 p.m., approximately four and a half hours after the first reports of gunfire. Sheriff Scott confirmed that Moore was found in possession of both a rifle and a handgun, and investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the firearms. The state medical examiner is conducting autopsies on the victims.
The aftermath of this tragedy has left the community in shock. Sheriff Scott noted that conversations with the surviving family members have been incredibly difficult, describing the situation as “hard to have conversations other than prayers.”
District Attorney Colom expressed confidence in his office’s ability to prosecute this case effectively, stating, “Six people, one night, several different scenes, it’s about as bad as it gets.” As the investigation continues, authorities are seeking to uncover the motivations behind this devastating act of violence.
