06/04/2026
UPDATE:
The names of the deceased have been released by the Simpson County Sheriff's Office. They are homeowners Billy Blair, 74 and his wife, Virginia Carol Blair, 71.
The Simpson County Sheriff’s Department received a call on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 from maintenance workers for a welfare check to a home on W.L. Blair Road in Mendenhall, MS shortly after noon. Upon arrival the deputies noticed signs of a possible burglary and began to make entry when shots were fired from within the home injuring one deputy.
Deputies returned fire when suspect barricaded himself in the house. Deputies on scene called for backup with Rankin County Sheriff’s Department arriving first. Assistance from several law enforcement agencies within at least a 50-mile radius responded including sister agencies Magee Police Department and Mendenhall Police Department.
After a nearly six-hour standoff with several exchanges of gunfire the suspect fled the scene through the back door of the house. Mississippi Highway Patrol troopers and other officers apprehended the suspect in a wooded area behind the house.
After conducting a search of the residence with a drone. Members of special response teams were able to enter and do a physical search of the residence and determined that no further suspects remained inside.
While conducting the search, law enforcement officers discovered two deceased individuals inside the residence believed to be the homeowners. The identities of the two victims are being withheld at this time pending notification of the family.
The suspect who was taken into custody by law enforcement officers will be held and charged accordingly.
All further investigation will be handled by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations. Any further media requests should be made through Bailey Martin with MBI.
Sheriff Paul Mullins would like to ask for everyone’s prayers for the recovering deputy and the family of the victims.
