Boy Fatally Shot in Tunica; Two Teens Charged with First-Degree Murder
TUNICA, Miss. – June 20, 2025 — A tragic shooting in a quiet Tunica neighborhood has left a community reeling and a family mourning the death of a young boy. The Tunica County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a boy was fatally shot Friday evening, prompting a swift investigation that led to the arrest of two teenagers.
Deputies were dispatched to the 1100 block of Cypress Drive shortly after 5 p.m. on Friday, June 20, following reports of gunfire in the area. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a young boy unresponsive at the scene, suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Despite life-saving efforts, the child was pronounced dead at the scene.
The identity and age of the victim have not been officially released by authorities out of respect for the family and due to the ongoing investigation. However, Sheriff’s Office representatives described the incident as a heartbreaking loss and assured the public that justice is being actively pursued.
Investigators quickly identified two suspects — a 17-year-old juvenile and an 18-year-old adult male — and detained them for questioning as persons of interest. Both individuals have since been formally charged in connection with the fatal shooting.
The charges include:
•First-Degree Murder
•Drive-By Shooting
•Conspiracy to Commit a Crime
•Shooting from a Motor Vehicle
•Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm in a Populated Area
These charges suggest the deadly shooting may have been a premeditated act involving the use of a vehicle as a platform for gunfire — a scenario that not only endangered the intended target but also posed a serious threat to residents in the surrounding neighborhood.
Law enforcement officials have not yet disclosed a motive for the shooting or the relationship between the suspects and the victim. It is also unclear if the young boy was the intended target or a tragic casualty of indiscriminate gun violence.
As the investigation continues, the Tunica County Sheriff’s Office is urging members of the public to come forward with any additional information that may help piece together the events that led to the child’s death.
“If you saw something, know something, or heard anything that could help this investigation, please do not hesitate to reach out,” a department spokesperson said. “Even the smallest detail could be critical to ensuring justice for this child and their family.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Tunica County Sheriff’s Office at (662) 363-1411, or Crime Stoppers at (662) 910-0400. Callers may remain anonymous.
The tragic shooting has sent shockwaves through the small Tunica community, where acts of violence — particularly involving children — are rare. Community leaders and residents have expressed grief, anger, and a growing sense of urgency to address youth violence and gun access in the region.
Counseling and victim support services are expected to be made available to the family and community in the coming days, as residents come together to mourn the loss of a young life cut far too short.
The investigation remains active, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.