VPD holding someone for questioning in shooting death

Published 7:05 pm Monday, January 22, 2018

Vicksburg police are holding someone for questioning in the shooting death of Eddie James Burns, 28, Sgt. Johnnie Edwards said.

No charges have been filed, he said.

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Burns’ body was found in a grassy area between Bonelli Street and the railroad tracks about 3 p.m. Sunday with two gunshot wounds to the head. He was declared dead at the scene by Warren County Coroner Doug Huskey. The death is the first of 2018. An autopsy was ordered.

Burns was reported missing about 2 p.m. Sunday after family members told police he left home around 9 a.m. Saturday and didn’t return.

Edwards said family members and officers began looking for him in an area of town where he generally hung out and located him.

During the initial investigation, Edwards said, it appeared some of Burns’ belongings had been taken, “So the motive may have been robbery.”

He said the death remains under investigation.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the police department’s number at 601-636-2511 or Central Mississippi Crime Stoppers at 601-355-TIPS (8477) or 1-866-481-8477. Callers to Crime Stoppers do not have to give their names.

About John Surratt

John Surratt is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in general studies. He has worked as an editor, reporter and photographer for newspapers in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. He has been a member of The Vicksburg Post staff since 2011 and covers city government. He and his wife attend St. Paul Catholic Church and he is a member of the Port City Kiwanis Club.

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