Mississippi police say 6 killed in shooting spree, suspect in custody

Mississippi authorities say a person is in custody after six people were killed in a series of related shootings earlier today in the eastern part of the southern US state.

Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott says in a Facebook post that “multiple innocent lives” were lost “due to violence” in the town of West Point, near the Alabama border. The sheriff told WTVA that six people were killed in three locations.

A suspect is in custody and there was no threat to the community, the sheriff writes on Facebook.

“I ask that you lift our victims and their families in your prayers. Law Enforcement is busy investigating and will release an update as soon as possible,” he says.

The sheriff’s office does not provide further details early Saturday, but planned a morning news conference.