Authorities in Clay County, Mississippi, have charged a man with first-degree murder after a series of deadly shootings on Friday night. The accused, 24-year-old Daricka Moore, allegedly killed six people, including family members and a child. Officials say the charges may be upgraded to capital murder, allowing prosecutors to seek the death penalty if Moore is found mentally competent.
Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott said Moore first shot his father, brother, and uncle at a residence on David Hill Road shortly before 7 p.m. The victims were identified as Glen Moore, 67; Willie Guines, 55; and Quinton Moore, 33.
After the initial shootings, investigators said Moore stole a vehicle and drove to another home on Blake Road. There, he allegedly attempted to sexually assault a seven-year-old girl, who was related to him, before shooting her. Authorities later confirmed her death.
“This is horrific. It’s about as bad as it gets,” said Scott Colom, district attorney for Mississippi’s 16th circuit court, which covers Clay County.
Sheriff Scott called the case one of the most difficult he has worked on in his 30-year career. He said Moore then drove to a third location on Siloam-Griffith Road, taking a Ford F-150 belonging to his deceased brother. At that residence, deputies found the truck hidden and discovered the bodies of Barry Bradley and Samuel Bradley, both fatally shot. One of them was a local pastor. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the Bradleys had any prior connection to Moore.
Moore was taken into custody just before midnight at the intersection of Pine Grove Road and Joe Myers Road. At the time, he was driving a vehicle reportedly stolen from the Siloam-Griffith Road home. Investigators have not identified a clear motive for the killings.
“This has really shaken our community,” Sheriff Scott said. “Personally, I don’t know what kind of motive you could have to kill a seven-year-old.”
Autopsies will be conducted by the Mississippi Crime Lab to confirm the details of the deaths. Moore is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Monday. District Attorney Colom said the possibility of seeking the death penalty will be considered.
Authorities continue to investigate the sequence of events and Moore’s actions leading up to the shootings. The community remains in shock as details emerge about what officials describe as a “tragic and senseless” series of murders.
The case has raised concern among residents about safety in the county. Officials are urging anyone with information about Moore’s activities prior to the shootings to come forward.
This Mississippi Mass Murder Case highlights a series of violent crimes that have devastated families and the local community. Law enforcement and prosecutors are working quickly to ensure justice is served while trying to understand the motive behind the killings.
