City man killed in shooting
Published 5:00 am Monday, August 6, 2001
A Brookhaven man was killed, and a suspect is in custodyfollowing a shooting incident on Howard Street Saturdayevening.
Richard Washington, 26, of 2125 Dixie Road, Brookhaven, waspronounced dead in the emergency room at King’s Daughter MedicalCenter at 5:50 p.m. by Lincoln County Medical Examiner MorrisHenderson.
Jermery Harris, age and address unknown, is in custody at theLincoln County Jail facing a charge of murder, according to SheriffLynn Boyte.
“The cause of the shooting is unknown at this time,” Hendersonsaid. “It’s under investigation.”
Washington and several others were gathered in a friend’s houseat 853 Howard Street, Henderson said. At approximately 5 p.m.,Washington burst from the home and ran to another residence at 858Howard Street. He entered the home and collapsed on the floor.
At some point while Washington was between the houses, Hendersonsaid, he was struck one time by a bullet from a 9mm handgun. Thebullet passed through him. Henderson said Washington has one bullethole in his lower neck and one in his lower back. He could not saywhich was the entry or exit wound.
Boyte said later Saturday evening that the two men wereapparently involved in a good-natured argument that turned sour.Washington fled the argument, and Harris allegedly fired severalshots, one of which struck Washington.
Harris then left the scene, but later called the sheriff’soffice and told them he would turn himself in to Deputies MahundisBrice and Johnny Hall, Boyte said.
The deputies went to the home of Harris’ parents on Fortune Roadand arrested him. A 9mm handgun was found in a vehicle there.
Washington’s body will be sent for an autopsy.
“We will transfer him tomorrow … for an autopsy,” Hendersonsaid.
Boyte said Harris is being held without bond. A bond hearingwill be scheduled for Monday.
The sheriff was appreciative of the efforts of localresidents.
“We had several units involved and residents in that area werevery helpful in assisting us,” Boyte said.
R.E. Tyler Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.