All 12 people charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Claiborne County Deputy Terrian Bailey are now in custody after authorities apprehended the final wanted suspect Friday.
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Zander Cornell Butler, 21, had been identified earlier Friday as the only person still at large. His arrest brings the total number of people taken into custody in the case to 12.
Bailey was attempting to disperse a large crowd during the early morning hours of Sept. 7 when he was shot, according to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. He was pronounced dead later at a hospital.
Butler and the 11 people previously arrested face charges of first-degree murder, aggravated assault and conspiracy to commit murder.
The 11 previously arrested are Adolphous Butler, 26; Demond Hunt, 19; Emanuel Jackson, 21; Jordan Lighter, 24; Yehoiada Marshall, 24; Keith Miller, 23; Marqueese Richards, 19; Eli Okonner Robinson, 19; Kearuis Stimage, 24; Alvin Truitt, 20; and Shedrick Wallace, 18.
The arrests followed a coordinated investigation involving local, state and federal agencies, including the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Mississippi Highway Patrol, FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service and several sheriff’s departments.
“Today’s arrests reflect the determination and collaboration of law enforcement at every level to pursue justice for Deputy Bailey, his family and the community he served,” Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell said in a statement.
In a statement Friday, Claiborne County Sheriff Edward L. Goods Sr. thanked the local, state and federal agencies involved in the investigation. He also acknowledged residents who provided information, videos and tips.
“Your cooperation continues to be important,” Goods said.
The investigation has involved the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Hinds Metro SWAT Team, Hinds and Warren county sheriff’s departments, FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and U.S. Marshals Service.
Goods asked the public for patience as investigators continue their work, saying the sheriff’s office will not release information that could compromise the investigation or prosecution.
Authorities have not released details about Zander Butler’s apprehension. The investigation remains active, and the Department of Public Safety said investigators will submit their findings to the district attorney’s office when their work is complete.
All 12 defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Sheriff: Multiple suspects sought in Deputy Terrian Bailey’s killing
