On Friday, October 25, at approximately 7:20 p.m., the Adams County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call regarding a shooting at the Shell Station located at 787 Highway 61 North in Washington, MS. Simultaneously, a deputy nearby was alerted by a passing motorist of an altercation involving gunfire at the same location.
When deputies arrived, they detained one suspect, who was sitting near the gas pumps, and seized a semi-automatic firearm.
Inside the store, deputies found a man who had been shot to death, identified as James Keating.
Sheriff Travis Patten described the incident as a tragic and senseless act of violence. According to preliminary reports, the confrontation began when the shooter placed a cup of ice down while inside the store. Keating entered shortly after, accidentally knocking over the cup, leading to an argument.
Though the shooter implied he had a weapon, he never brandished it. Keating left the store, went to his vehicle to get a handgun, then came back into the store to confront the shooter. The situation escalated when the Sheriff’s Department said that Keating came back inside and allegedly fired his handgun multiple times in self-defense.
Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten said they are continuing to gather evidence, including video footage, and witness statements.
Everybody present at the time of the shooting, including the alleged shooter, has been cooperative with authorities.
The case will be presented to the next Grand Jury to determine appropriate charges or whether the homicide was justifiable.
