Suspect connected to shooting death arrested, charged

Published 10:29 am Thursday, June 13, 2019

A Fayette woman is charged with conspiracy to commit murder in the June 7 shooting death of Keithan Ward, 21.

Judge James Jefferson refused to set bond for Demetra Anderson, 24, at an initial appearance Thursday in Warren County Justice Court. Sheriff Martin Pace said Anderson is accused of conspiring with other people to set up the circumstances that led to Ward’s death. Her arrest is the first in the case.

Pace would not comment further on the case, citing the ongoing investigation.

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Jefferson refused to set a bond on the recommendation of 9th Circuit District Attorney Ricky Smith. Smith said Anderson did not live in Warren County and there were indications she planned to leave the area if she were granted bond.

He said he would file a motion in circuit court for a bond hearing, adding he would explain further why he sought no bond for Anderson.

Anderson said in court she had an attorney but did not provide a name.

Sheriff’s deputies responding a 9:15 p.m. call June 7 about a one-car wreck on Halls Ferry Road found Ward in a Nissan Altima with multiple gunshot wounds.

He was taken to Merit Health River Region, where he later died in the hospital emergency room.

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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