08/09/2026
PRESS RELEASE
Byhalia, Mississippi— On Saturday, August 8th, 2026, at approximately 2206 hrs, officers with the Byhalia Police Department responded to an address on Church Street Parkway in reference to a female victim being shot, and the male suspect was armed with weapons on scene.
When Byhalia Police Officers made scene, they assisted two adults and a child from inside the residence to a secure location while taking fire from a semi-automatic rifle. Byhalia Police was able to determine the male suspect’s identity as Russell L Kelly, Jr, 47, of Memphis, TN. Survivors from the home advised officers that Mr. Kelly shot and killed a female in the home.
DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department sent their SWAT team and negotiators. Marshall County Sheriff’s Department SWAT team also assisted.
Negotiators with the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department made every attempt to get Mr. Kelly to surrender, but he refused and continued to shoot at officers. After almost ten hours of a stand off, the suspect continued to fire at officers resulting in an officer involved shooting where Mr. Kelly succumbed to his injuries on scene.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is investigating the scene as it investigates all officer-involved shootings in Mississippi. All inquires involving this incident should be directed to the MBI.
Thank you.
