An unfortunate and distressing event unfolded at the East Mississippi Correctional Facility in Lauderdale County, leading to the fatal shooting of a guard on Tuesday afternoon.
Chief Deputy Ward Calhoun disclosed that a disagreement between two correctional officers escalated into a physical altercation, resulting in the tragic shooting of one officer by another in the facility’s parking lot around 1 p.m. Prompt responses from deputies and EMS led to the immediate apprehension of the suspect.
Highlighting that both officers were on duty, Chief Deputy Calhoun categorized this as an officer-involved shooting. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation will spearhead the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding this sorrowful incident.
A heartfelt statement from Management & Training Corporation, the facility’s operator, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic altercation between two correctional officers. They pledged full cooperation with local law enforcement’s investigation while extending heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family, reaffirming their commitment to support them during this challenging period.
Identified as the victim, Captain Justin Whipps from Clinton, Mississippi, tragically lost his life in this incident. Reports confirmed a lockdown at the facility following the altercation, where Officer McAfee allegedly shot and fatally injured Captain Whipps.
Hope Dealers posted on Facebook,
“Reports indicate a lockdown at East Mississippi Correctional Facility in Meridian, MS. A correctional officer allegedly shot a captain in the facility’s parking lot, resulting in one fatality. Stay tuned for further updates.“Update: Officer McAfee arrived on the grounds of the East Mississippi Correctional Facility to confront a female officer that he had relations with. Captain Whipps attempted to stop McAfee from entering the facility when McAfee retrieved a rifle from his vehicle, shooting Captain Whipps approximately 5-8 times. Captain Whipps was pronounced deceased at the scene and McAfee was taken into custody.“The victim is confirmed to be Justin Whipps. Captain Whipps received a promotion from Lieutenant to Captain just 6 days ago. Our condolences to Captain Whipps’ family.The shooter has been confirmed to be Caboris McAfee.”
Details emerged indicating that Officer McAfee arrived at the facility to confront a female officer, encountering resistance from Captain Whipps, who attempted to prevent McAfee’s entry. Unfortunately, McAfee retrieved a rifle from his vehicle and fatally shot Captain Whipps multiple times, resulting in Whipps’ tragic demise at the scene.
Captain Whipps, who had recently received a promotion from Lieutenant to Captain merely days before this incident, leaves behind a grieving family. Deepest condolences are extended to Captain Whipps’ family during this painful time.
The suspect, Officer McAfee, allegedly involved in the altercation, was promptly apprehended following the tragic shooting. McAfee, after encountering resistance from Captain Whipps, resorted to gunfire, leading to the loss of Whipps’ life. McAfee remains in custody as legal proceedings and investigations continue.
