MOSS POINT, MISSISSIPPI – An attempted home invasion left a suspect dead and the homeowner injured after a shoot-out at the front door. Police said they received calls of shots being fired around 6:30 p.m. Sunday evening in the Mill Avenue area on Washington Boulevard, on the east side of town near the Kreole community.
Arriving officers found the body of a man lying in the road, dead from apparent gunshot wounds. He was later identified as Kijuan Dukes, 20, of Natchez.
According to police, Dukes and another man were in the initial stage of an armed home invasion; however, as they approached the home’s door, they were met by the homeowner. At least one of the two suspects fired multiple times at the homeowner, striking him at least once. The homeowner returned fire, striking at least one of the two intruders.
Dukes’ body has been sent to the crime lab for an autopsy, according to Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd said. It is not known if the surviving suspect has been located or arrested.
The homeowner was treated and released from the hospital for his gunshot wounds. This case will be presented to the next Grand Jury for their review to determine if charges should be filed against the homeowner.
Moss Point is no stranger to violence. Mayor Mario King and community leaders will host a town hall on Jan. 26 to address the on-going rash of violent crimes and hope to develop a plan to combat the trend.
