Two suspects have been charged in connection to an apartment complex shooting that left one juvenile dead and another injured.
James Banks and Kendrick Myers have been charged with first degree murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to Terry Gann, chief deputy with the Yazoo County Sheriff’s Department. As of press time, both suspects remained in the Yazoo County Regional Correctional Facility.
The incident occurred earlier this month at Shady Lane Apartments. Yazoo County Coroner Ricky Shivers said Jaylan Littleton, 16, died while being taken by ambulance to a helicopter transfer site.
“Once the ambulance pulled up to the helicopter landing site, the victim’s pulse was lost,” Shivers said. “The flight crew took over, giving the victim blood and performing advanced life support. The victim then died of exsanguination (bled to death) from multiple gunshot wounds.”
Shivers said another 15-year-old juvenile was transferred to a hospital via helicopter. That juvenile was first reported to be in critical condition. But as of press time, officials said he will recover.
Littleton’s family members spoke with The Herald, stating that they felt the incident was unrelated to other juvenile incidents that have been reported within the community.
“My son was just at the wrong place at the wrong time,” a family member said. “He was just trying to get a ride to a basketball game when this happened.”
During Monday’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting, Mayor David Starling addressed the public concerning the recent incidents involving juveniles within the community, including the recent death of Littleton.
“Today is probably one of the hardest expressions of sympathy that I have had to give since I have become mayor here in Yazoo City,” Starling said. “Most of you in this community know how I feel about our young people. I am not concerned with the line that says Shady Lane is not a part of our city. I love the people of the Shady Lane area as much as I love the people in the city limits. To the people in the Shady Lane area, we are asking for your help. We must do better.”
“To the mother and the father of young Jaylan… and to the rest of his family, you have my deepest sympathy,” he continued. “I am pleased that an arrest has been made, and I certainly hope that justice is served. On the other side of that, I know none of this will bring Jaylan back. Hopefully, it will give his family some closure during their healing process.”
Starling spoke directly to the parents within the community, urging them to “stay vigilant to your adolescent, juvenile or young child.”
“Statistics show that the majority of Yazoo City’s crime is being committed by our young people,” Starling said. “Parents, our city needs your help. If we want businesses to invest in Yazoo City, we need a community that will attract people and the industries to come here and invest in us. If a business or two is looking to set up here, what will they find? A failing school district and a crime rate that is just senseless and unacceptable.”
Starling said the community should strive for better jobs, a passing school district, safety and an overall better quality of life.
“Parents I hope that you haven’t been misled in thinking that some people have told you it is OK if you are not raising your child,” Starling said. “The shaping, the molding and the raising of a child starts at home. Everyone else along the way is just added assistance to help the parents.”
“This council…cannot change this city alone,” he continued. “It is going to take all of us, every man, woman, boy, and girl in this community to help make Yazoo City what we all desire it to be. That is a safe and thriving community. We need your help.”
