A suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder case of 16-year-old Jamonta Mitchell, who was gunned down in Clubview Circle last month.
Willie Nune, 21, was charged with murder on June 15, following an arrest by the U.S. Marshals Service. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigations and the Yazoo City Police Department also assisted in the case.
According to Yazoo County Coroner Ricky Shivers, Mitchell was pronounced dead on the scene from multiple gunshot wounds.
The victim’s family expressed gratitude to the U.S. Marshals Service and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations for their diligence in beginning the process of justice and closure in their loss.
However, they also said they did not agree with commentary made by Mayor David Starling during a recent city council meeting surrounding the investigation. Starling referred to Mitchell’s case in his commentary on the recent resignation of former police chief Fred Randle.
“Also, his connection to outside law enforcement agencies would have been extremely beneficial to Yazoo City,” Starling said, during Thursday’s board meeting. “In his short time as chief, an arrest was made in the shooting of the young man that happened in Clubview. That person is in jail as we speak.”
The victim’s family said they do not feel Starling should use the murder of Mitchell to justify the circumstances surrounding Randle’s resignation.
“What the mayor said is wrong,” the family said. “We grieve the loss of Jamonta and the horrible way he died. He never bothered anyone, and he did not deserve to die that night. Jamonta should not be used to give credit.”
Nune remained in the Yazoo County Regional Correctional Facility as of press time.
