Lauderdale County, Mississippi, is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating Christmas Eve shooting that claimed the lives of three individuals, including a teenager who was just a day shy of his 16th birthday. The victims have been identified as 64-year-old Johnnie L. Mosley of the Lauderdale community, 48-year-old Shunda Faye Brown of the Porterville community, and 15-year-old Treyvone Young, a promising student at Northeast Lauderdale High School. The suspect, 50-year-old Joseph Spinks of Toomsuba, has been charged with three counts of murder and remains in custody as investigators delve into the circumstances surrounding this horrifying incident.
The shooting occurred on December 24 at approximately 7:10 PM at a residence in the 9500 block of Northeast Cole Road. Lauderdale County Sheriff Ward Calhoun revealed that a call was made to the county’s E-911 dispatch reporting gunfire and multiple individuals shot. The responding deputies and Metro officers arrived at a scene of chaos and heartbreak. One victim, later identified as Shunda Faye Brown, had already been transported to a local hospital by a private vehicle. A second victim, Johnnie L. Mosley, was treated at the scene by emergency responders and transported by ambulance, but tragically succumbed to his injuries. The third victim, young Treyvone Young, was found unresponsive and declared deceased at the scene by Lauderdale County Coroner Stella McMahan.
Law enforcement officials immediately launched a manhunt for the suspect, who fled the scene after the shooting. By approximately 9:30 PM, deputies had tracked Spinks and his vehicle to a location in the 7000 block of Welch Road. He was apprehended without resistance at a nearby residence and taken into custody. Early the following morning, Spinks was officially charged with three counts of murder and booked into the Lauderdale County Detention Facility, where he is currently being held without bond. Sheriff Calhoun also confirmed that Spinks was already out on bond for a felony DUI charge at the time of the shooting, and as a result, all previously issued bonds have been revoked.
The exact motive for the shooting remains unclear, and the investigation is ongoing. Sheriff Calhoun stated that detectives are pursuing leads, including the involvement of another person of interest who may have played a role in the tragic events. “This tragic event has left our community in mourning. We are working diligently to ensure justice is served for the victims and their families,” Sheriff Calhoun said in a statement. Additional charges may be filed as more details emerge from the investigation.
The loss of 15-year-old Treyvone Young has sent shockwaves through the local community, particularly at Northeast Lauderdale High School, where the young man was a student. Treyvone, who was known for his vibrant personality and dedication to his studies, was beloved by classmates and staff alike. “He had so much potential, and his life was cut short in such a senseless way,” said one teacher. The school has offered grief counseling services to students and staff struggling to cope with the loss of their peer and friend.
The tragic deaths of the other two victims, Johnnie L. Mosley and Shunda Faye Brown, have also deeply affected their respective communities. Johnnie Mosley, 64, was described by neighbors as a kind and hardworking man who was always willing to lend a helping hand. Shunda Brown, 48, was remembered as a devoted mother and friend who brought warmth and joy to those around her. Family members of all three victims are left devastated as they grapple with the sudden and violent loss of their loved ones during what should have been a time of celebration and togetherness.
In the days following the tragedy, local leaders and community members have come together to offer support and solidarity to the grieving families. Candlelight vigils and memorial services are being planned to honor the lives lost and to call for peace and justice. The shootings have reignited discussions about gun violence and community safety in Lauderdale County, with residents expressing both their sorrow and their resolve to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
Meanwhile, the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with additional information related to the case to come forward. “Every piece of information is crucial in a case like this,” Sheriff Calhoun emphasized. Anonymous tips can be submitted through various channels, including the sheriff’s office hotline and local tip submission websites.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding the events that led to this unthinkable act of violence and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. For now, Lauderdale County mourns the loss of three innocent lives, united in grief and determined to seek justice for Johnnie L. Mosley, Shunda Faye Brown, and young Treyvone Young. This heartbreaking incident has left a profound mark on the community, but it has also inspired a renewed commitment to supporting one another in the face of tragedy. Further updates are expected as investigators work tirelessly to bring clarity and closure to this devastating case.
