Mississippi deputy arrested for 2nd degree murder
Published 10:00 am Thursday, April 6, 2023
- JONES COUNTY JAIL Ryan Walters
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has arrested a suspect in connection with a shooting at a Laurel church Sunday.
On April 2, 2023, off-duty Jones County reserve deputy Ryan Walters fatally shot a man outside The Rock Pentecostal Church. Both a member of the church and its security team, Walters reportedly approached 45-year-old James Corey Donald in the parking lot of the church during the evening service. There was an altercation and Donald reached for Walters’ gun, according to Sheriff Joe Berlin.
The gun was fired and a bullet struck Donald in the upper torso, fatally wounding him.
Walters was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation by MBI.
On Wednesday, MBI placed Walters under arrest and charged him with second-degree murder.
MBI is investigating the case. Jones County Circuit Judge Dal Williamson has appointed Simpson County Distract Attorney Chris Hennis to prosecute the case.