Starkville Man Sentenced to Life for 2022 Drive-By Murder of 9-Year-Old
STARKVILLE – In a tragic turn of events that has left the community in mourning, a man has been found guilty of the drive-by shooting that claimed the life of a 9-year-old boy. Christopher Perkins, aged 33, was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the first-degree murder of Lasang Kemp Jr.. The court’s decision came after a jury deliberated for nearly three hours, showing how seriously they took the case.
A Day of Horror
The courtroom was tense as Judge Lee Howard read the verdict. Perkins looked visibly shaken, realizing the gravity of his actions. The day of the tragic incident, it was revealed that Kemp Sr. and another of his sons had exchanged gunfire earlier in the day with three other men who had been involved in the shooting. This altercation prompted Perkins and his accomplices to take matters into their own hands, resulting in the senseless death of a child who had nothing to do with the conflict.
The Drive-By Shooting
According to testimonies, Perkins and three accomplices—Barron “B-Man” Hubbard, Tabyron “Tayy Tayy” Fisher, and Dellveon “Dez” Lindsey—regrouped to seek revenge. They tracked down the Kemp family’s minivan on Santa Anita Drive, where Perkins opened fire, hitting little Lasang Kemp Jr. The innocent boy was struck twice, and while one shot barely grazed him, the other was tragically fatal. At the time, the vehicle contained Lasang’s relatives but not his father. The whole scenario painted a chilling picture of the events that unfolded.
A ‘Nightmare on Santa Anita Drive’
16th Circuit District Attorney Scott Colom vividly described the day as being like a horror film, stating, “It doesn’t get more heartless than shooting into a car and putting a bullet right through the heart of a 9-year-old child.” His remarks reflected the sorrow and disbelief that has enveloped Starkville since that day. Losing a child is a tragedy that alters a family forever, and Lasang’s death sent ripples of grief through the entire community.
The Trial and Verdict
Perkins was apprehended and faced serious charges, including murder and aggravated assault. The investigation was extensive, involving multiple arrests and warrants as authorities pieced together the chaotic events. Testimonies from Perkins’ accomplices were pivotal, even as their credibility was called into question during the trial. Defense attorney Walter Zinn argued that these three men had essentially thrown Perkins under the bus, using him as a scapegoat for their own actions. He claimed that they had invited Perkins along only to ensure someone else would take the blame when things turned violent.
Evidence and Closing Arguments
Despite questions surrounding witness reliability, Colom highlighted the importance of physical evidence, particularly cell phone records that linked Perkins to the crime scene. Zinn countered this, suggesting the accuracy of the phone records could encompass a broad area, making it uncertain whether Perkins had even been at the location when the shooting happened. The jury ultimately concluded that Perkins was guilty, leading to the severe sentence handed down by the judge.
The Path Forward
While Perkins received a life sentence, there’s a sliver of hope for him in the future; Mississippi’s geriatric statutes mean he could potentially apply for parole when he turns 65. Meanwhile, Colom emphasized that justice had been served, expressing relief that the right verdict was reached. Discussions around this case are set to continue, especially regarding the other suspects involved, who are expected to face lighter sentences for their cooperation with authorities.
Community Response
The Starkville community has banded together to support the Kemp family and ensure that such violence does not happen again. Officials are exploring the use of technology, such as additional surveillance cameras, to enhance public safety and mitigate future tragedies. It’s a grim reminder that violence can happen anywhere, and the actions taken today might just help to prevent the heartache of tomorrow.
This case touches on many complex issues surrounding violence, accountability, and the quest for justice in communities affected by crime. Starkville remains a place of hope, striving for healing and safety for all its residents.
