On September 1st, Rankin County deputies were called to Oakdale Rd. where a man was being treated for a severe head injury.
Once deputies arrived on scene, they discovered that the victim appeared to have suffered from intentional blunt force trauma and was taken to a hospital.
Investigators were called to the scene and began processing evidence and talking to witnesses. They were able to identify 51-year-old Ricky Dewayne Morris as the primary suspect.
A statewide BOLO was then sent out to law enforcement agencies to include Morris’ description and vehicle information.
Members of the U.S. Marshals Task force also began to search for him and a short time later, an officer with the Vicksburg Police Department identified his vehicle and was able to take him into custody. Morris was transported from Vicksburg back to the Rankin County Jail by the U.S. Marshals Task Force.
Later that evening the victim, identified as 72-year-old Grady Keith Allen died from the injuries suffered from the assault.
Rankin County District Attorney Bubba Bramlett will bring Morris before Rankin County Court Judge David Morrow on charges of capital murder.
Sheriff Bailey said they would like to thank the Vicksburg Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Task Force for their assistance in quickly apprehending Morris. The investigation of this incident is ongoing.
