Denial of entry to a group of people who wanted to attend a party resulted in a deadly exchange of gunfire in Magnolia on October 28. The shooting took place at 1204 Greene Street, where Chariot Hildreth, 29, was killed and two others were wounded. Court documents filed by the Magnolia Police Department investigators revealed details about the incident.
Two men have been charged with first-degree murder, along with additional charges. Kendarrius K. French, 22, of Magnolia, is also charged with a terroristic act. Jalvakus Duqunya Warren, 25, of Waldo, is charged with two counts of terroristic act, two counts of first-degree battery, and first-degree murder. Both suspects are currently held at the Columbia County Justice and Detention Facility under a $2 million bond. They are scheduled for court appearances on January 4.
According to Sgt. Jason Campbell’s affidavit, officers arrived at the scene after receiving a 911 call around 11:45 p.m. They found a chaotic scene with around 100 people and shots being fired. Inside the house, officers discovered Chariot Hildreth lying on the floor with a gunshot wound to her back. Despite attempts to render aid, Hildreth was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses reported that a fight had broken out outside the house, leading to the gunfire. One witness stated that Kendarrius French had entered the house and shot Chariot Hildreth. Other individuals at the scene also corroborated this account. Another affidavit revealed that Jalvakus Warren was one of three people who attempted to block French’s entry into the party. A witness identified Warren as the person who shot Tavyonce Haynes and a juvenile.
First-degree murder and commission of a terroristic act are serious offenses that carry potential sentences of 10 years to life in prison upon conviction. First-degree battery is also a felony with a prison term ranging from five to 20 years and a fine of up to $15,000.
Chariot Hildreth, a graduate of Magnolia High School and an employee at Mister James Restaurant, leaves behind a daughter, mother, and three sisters.
