(StraightNews.org) – Three teenagers have been arrested over the death of a 60-year-old security officer at a Mississippi convenience store. Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade said Roy Love was “just doing his job” when he was gunned down at the city’s M&M Food Mart after telling the three suspects to leave the store.
The arrested teenagers were identified as 16-year-old Kadaris Cohen, 17-year-old Trent Wooten, and 17-year-old Zaylon Norton. Prosecutors have charged all three with capital murder.
Chief Wade told reporters that the incident happened on the afternoon of July 6 when Love ordered the teenagers out of the store. He said the trio instantly attacked Mr. Love and stole his firearm before shooting him with one of their own. Mr. Wade explained that he had viewed video footage of the killing and confirmed that Love did not draw his weapon. He added that three suspects fled the scene and were arrested later the same day.
Local residents spoke warmly of the security guard, who was well-known and liked in the area. Jackson resident Tony Williams said he spoke to Mr. Love just hours before his death and described him as a “neighborhood legend.” He stated that the security officer was a “great guy” whose death was “mind-blowing.”
Similarly, Jackie Kitchens described Love as a kind man who would always walk female shoppers to their cars at night and ensure they were safe.
The teens will be tried as adults and could face the death penalty. The Magnolia State does not charge different degrees of murder but has two categories – murder or capital murder. The capital offense applies only to the most violent or egregious killings, including those of police officers or people employed in the security industry. Mississippi law also allows the death penalty for those convicted of murder while already serving a life sentence, who kill using a bomb or explosive, or who commit an additional crime such as rape while carrying out the murder.
Copyright 2024, StraightNews.org
