Officials expect charge against Daricka Moore, 24, to be elevated to capital murder, with death penalty considered
Authorities in Clay county, Mississippi, say a man has been taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder following the fatal shootings of six people, including a child, on Friday night.
Daricka Moore, 24, is accused of killing multiple relatives as well as a local pastor before his arrest, according to Clay county sheriff Eddie Scott, who addressed the case during a Saturday news conference. Officials said the charge against Moore, who lives in the county, is expected to be elevated to capital murder, and prosecutors could seek the death penalty if he is determined to be mentally competent.
“This is horrific. It’s about as bad as it gets,” said Scott Colom, the district attorney for Mississippi’s 16th circuit court, which includes Clay county.
Sheriff Scott said investigators believe Moore first shot his father, brother and uncle Friday evening. Afterward, Moore allegedly took a truck and drove to another location, where authorities say he attempted to sexually assault a seven-year-old girl who was related to him before shooting her as well.
