Daricka MooreCLAY COUNTY — Authorities in Clay County are working a multiple-scene spree killing that claimed the lives of six people, including a 7-year-old child.
District Attorney Scott Colom said in a press conference Saturday morning that the case is one that would definitely warrant consideration for the death penalty if it is convicted.
Daricka Moore, 24, of Cedar Bluff, was taken into custody without incident Friday morning and charged with first-degree murder. Authorities said charges are expected to be upgraded to capital murder, with additional murder and related charges forthcoming.
“Today, I’m releasing preliminary information,” Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott said at a press conference. “Please understand that some of this is subject to change as the investigation continues.”
The shootings began around 6:56 p.m. Thursday. Clay County 911 received reports of gunshot victims at 299 Blake Road, and deputies arrived at 7:03 p.m. Investigators later determined Moore first killed three male family members — Glenn Moore, 67; Willie Ed Guines, 55; and Quinten Moore, 33 — at a residence on David Hill Road. All three died from gunshot wounds to the head, the Clay County Medical Examiner said.
Afterward, Moore allegedly stole a Ford F-150 from Quinten Moore and drove to the Blake Road residence, where he forced entry and attempted to commit a sexual assault while armed. There, he allegedly shot and killed a 7-year-old girl in front of witnesses and threatened another child with a gun.
Moore then fled in the stolen truck to a residence on Siloam-Griffin Road, where investigators discovered two more victims, Barry and Samuel Bradley of Columbus, who also suffered gunshot wounds to the head. The stolen truck was later recovered near the scene.
Moore was apprehended at a law enforcement roadblock at Pine Grove Road and Joe Myers Road with the help of Mississippi Highway Patrol, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals, and U.S. Park Service agents.
“This is one of the toughest cases I’ve had to work in almost 30 years,” Scott said. “We do not know a motive for these acts. We are continuing to work with all our partners to complete a full and thorough investigation.”
Colom said the case will be handled by special prosecutor Trina Davidson and that authorities will pursue the death penalty if Moore is eligible. “Six people, one night, several different things. These are the worst cases you can imagine,” Colom said.
Authorities said they are asking the public to contact the Clay County Sheriff’s Office or Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers with any information. Preliminary hearings are scheduled for Monday, Jan. 12, at the Clay County Court Complex, subject to change.
The victims’ ages range from 7 to 67, with at least four of them related to Moore. Scott said the shootings have left the community shaken and grieving.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims and survivors of this tragic, horrific spree of murders last night,” Colom said. “It really shook me because this is the worst one I’ve seen in 10 years.”
No other injuries were reported, and investigators said the crime scene remains under review by the Mississippi Crime Lab. Authorities also said they are investigating how Moore obtained the firearm used in the shootings.
Authorities say it’s one of the deadliest mass shootings in Mississippi history. It echoes the mass killing in Brookhaven in 2017 when Cory Godbolt killed eight at three different locations, including an 11-year-old. He is now serving four life sentences and four death sentences.
