A Yazoo man who was out on a felony bond for a similar crime was arrested again for allegedly attempting to kill and rob an elderly man.
Kenneth Bassett, 39, was charged with attempt to commit a crime (first degree murder) and robbery. He was out on a felony bond for a similar charge from earlier this year.
Terry Gann, chief investigator with the Yazoo County Sheriff’s Department, said Bassett was working as a yard man for the victim for a few months before the crimes took place.
“It all began with Bassett stealing checks from the victim,” Gann said. “He tried to cash the checks within Yazoo City and got caught.
“He returned to the victim under the pretense that he was apologizing for stealing the checks,” Gann said. “However, he also knew that the victim always paid him in cash for the yard work. The victim would always reach into his pocket and pull out close to $200 each time. The suspect was aware of this, and he knew the victim would have money on him.”
After speaking with the victim, Basset asked for a ride to a Bentonia truck stop. The victim agreed to do so.
“When they pulled into the parking lot where Basset wanted to be dropped off, Basset told the victim that he was going to kill him,” Gann said. “He grabbed him by the throat and began choking him. He also used his thumb to try to gouge the victim’s eyeball out. Through the struggle, the passenger door somehow opened. The victim was able to push Bassett out of the car and flee the scene.”
Bassett was soon apprehended at the same truck stop.
Gann said the victim is seeking medical attention for his eye injuries, and Bassett’s charges were enhanced due to the victim’s elderly age.
