Tragic Shooting Shakes Starkville at Quality Inn

The scene at Quality Inn in Starkville where a tragic shooting occurred, prompting a community response.

News Summary

A tragic shooting at the Quality Inn in Starkville, Mississippi, left two young men dead after an altercation. The incident unfolded on February 20, prompting a swift response from local authorities. Veshawn Williams and Robert Mayfield lost their lives in this violent encounter, which is still under investigation. Eyewitnesses report a physical confrontation escalated into gunfire behind the hotel. Community members are in shock as Starkville police seek information to clarify the circumstances surrounding the event.

Tragic Shooting Shakes Starkville at Quality Inn

In a startling event that has left the community reeling, a shooting occurred at the Quality Inn located at 403 MS-12 in Starkville, Mississippi. The incident took place on Thursday, February 20, around 11:04 a.m., prompting an immediate response from local authorities following multiple 911 calls reporting shots fired.

Two Lives Cut Short

In this unfortunate event, two young men lost their lives. They were identified as Veshawn Williams, just 25 years old and hailing from Columbus, and Robert Mayfield, a 27-year-old from Memphis. Tragic details surrounding the incident suggest that Williams was actually wanted by the Columbus Police Department at the time for serious charges, including kidnapping and aggravated assault.

The Altercation

The chaotic scene unfolded as a physical altercation began between Williams and Mayfield, who both found themselves behind the Quality Inn in a vehicle along with an unnamed woman, related to Mayfield. Eyewitnesses provided accounts of the tension building before the two men exchanged gunfire, leading to the tragic outcome.

A Desperate Escape

Following the violent encounter, Mayfield made a critical decision to drive himself to a nearby medical facility, State Urgent Care, to seek help for his injuries. Meanwhile, responders found Williams in the parking lot of the Quality Inn, quickly rushing both men to OCH Regional Medical Center. Sadly, both were pronounced dead shortly after their arrival, further deepening the sense of loss felt throughout the community.

A Community in Shock

The unidentified woman, who is reported to be Mayfield’s cousin, was unharmed during this awful incident. It’s been a tough turn of events for residents of Starkville, who were informed by police that there is no ongoing threat to the community and that this was not an active shooter situation.

Investigations Ongoing

As investigations continue, the Starkville Police Department is working hard to piece together the events leading up to this tragic shooting. Officials are asking for any information from the public regarding how all three individuals ended up in Starkville. They sincerely hope that by gathering more details, they can bring clarity to an already perplexing case.

Looking Ahead

Sergeant Brandon Lovelady held a press conference to shed light on the investigation, sharing what little information is known about the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. While many questions remain unanswered, police are urging anyone with information to step forward. Starkville is known for its friendly community vibe, making this event all the more shocking for residents.

As Starkville grapples with the aftermath of this devastating incident, community members are reminded of the importance of looking out for one another during difficult times. The collective hope is that justice will prevail for the lives that were lost and that loved ones will find the strength to heal.