STAR, Miss. — The Rankin County Sheriff’s Department has released troubling details about a shooting that occurred on July 16, 2025, in the quiet community of Star, leaving a young man seriously injured and two teenagers in custody. The suspects, identified as Erianna Mashaya Garrett, 18, of Florence, and Ladarius James Harrison, 17, of Brandon, face serious charges following the violent incident that authorities say stemmed from a family dispute.
**The Incident
On the evening of July 16, just before 9:45 p.m., Rankin County deputies responded to a 911 call reporting gunfire at a residence in the 500 block of Eddie Williams Drive. Upon arrival, they discovered the victim, later identified as Garrett’s brother, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical services rushed him to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson, where he remains in stable condition.
Investigators revealed that the shooting followed a verbal altercation between Erianna Garrett and her brother. According to authorities, Garrett contacted her boyfriend, Ladarius Harrison, after the argument. Harrison then drove to the residence, confronted the victim, and shot him multiple times before fleeing the scene. Garrett, instead of aiding her injured brother, fled to a nearby abandoned mobile home, where she was later apprehended.
**Arrests and Charges
Both suspects were quickly located and taken into custody:
– **Erianna Mashaya Garrett, 18, was arrested near the scene and charged with conspiracy to commit a felony. Her bond has been set at $250,000.
– **Ladarius James Harrison, 17, was apprehended at a home on Cherry Bark Drive near the Reservoir and charged with attempted murder. Due to the severity of the crime, Harrison will be prosecuted as an adult. His bond has not been set.
Both suspects are currently being held at the Rankin County Adult Detention Center, with their initial court appearances expected soon.
**Authorities Speak Out
The Rankin County Sheriff’s Department described the incident as a tragic escalation of a domestic dispute, highlighting the devastating impact on the family and the community.
“This is a heartbreaking case that underscores how quickly conflicts can spiral into life-altering consequences,” said Investigator Tyler Burnell of the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office. “We are committed to thoroughly investigating this matter to ensure justice is served.”
Detectives confirmed that Garrett and Harrison were in a romantic relationship at the time of the shooting. Authorities believe the attack was premeditated, with Garrett’s call to Harrison setting the events in motion. The investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of planning and any additional factors that may have contributed to the incident.
**Community Response
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the Star community, where residents are grappling with the reality of such violence in their neighborhood. Community leaders have called for increased focus on conflict resolution and youth mental health to prevent similar tragedies.
Local churches and organizations have stepped forward to offer support, organizing prayer vigils and counseling services for the affected family and residents. School officials in Rankin County have also pledged to work with students and families to address underlying issues that may lead to such conflicts.
**Investigation Continues
The Rankin County Sheriff’s Department is still gathering evidence, including forensic data, digital communications, and witness statements, to build a comprehensive understanding of the events leading up to the shooting. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges as the investigation progresses.
The Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Tips can be submitted directly to the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department at (601) 825-1480 or through anonymous channels via Crime Stoppers.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unresolved disputes and the importance of community support in fostering healing and prevention.