Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Local Man Arrested for Murder in Petal
A man has been arrested and charged with murder after allegedly fatally shooting a woman in Petal, marking the first such incident in the city in several years.
Incident Details
The Petal Police Department responded to a call of gunfire in the 200 block of West 4th Avenue on the morning of March 10. The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Taebyus Ahmaud Smith, was taken into custody and booked into the Forrest County Correctional Facility. The victim, 21-year-old Ed’Lauryn Kimbreun Baylis of Silver Creek, tragically lost her life in this senseless act of violence.
Location of the Crime
This shocking incident took place in the heart of Petal, a peaceful city known for its tight-knit community and family-friendly atmosphere. The 200 block of West 4th Avenue is a residential area where neighbours often gather to socialize and children play in the streets. The peaceful tranquillity of this neighbourhood was shattered by the sound of gunfire on that fateful morning.
Police Response
Petal Police Chief Matthew Hiatt expressed his dismay at the occurrence of this heinous crime, stating that this is the first murder in the City of Petal in approximately 10 years. The Hattiesburg Police Department and the Forrest County Sheriff’s Office are working diligently to assist in the investigation and bring justice to the victim and her family.
Gratitude for Assistance
In a statement, the Petal Police Department expressed their gratitude for the support provided by the Forrest County Sheriff’s Office in securing the crime scene. Additionally, the Hattiesburg Police Department’s crime scene investigator has been instrumental in processing and collecting the evidence related to this case. The collaborative efforts of these law enforcement agencies demonstrate a commitment to upholding justice and ensuring the safety of the community.
As the investigation into this tragic incident continues, the residents of Petal are left reeling from the shock of such a violent act occurring in their peaceful city. The community mourns the loss of Ed’Lauryn Kimbreun Baylis and seeks solace in the hope that justice will be served for her untimely death..