LAUDERDALE COUNTY, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – A shooting on Northeast Cole Road on Christmas Eve left one person dead and two others in critical condition at a hospital in Jackson. The deceased victim has been identified as 15-year-old Treyvon Young, a student at Northeast High School who was at a family member’s house to play video games and spend time with loved ones. Tragically, Young’s birthday was the following day, Christmas Day.
Joseph Spinks, 50, of Toomsuba, has been charged with murder in connection with the incident. A bond hearing was held on Thursday morning, Dec. 26, where a judge set Spinks’ bond at $500,000 for the murder charge. Additionally, Spinks faces two charges of attempted murder for the two victims who remain in critical condition. His total bond has been set at $700,000.
Both surviving victims were airlifted to a hospital in Jackson for treatment. The shooting is believed to have been targeted, with authorities confirming that Spinks and one of the victims knew each other. Investigators are continuing to probe the circumstances surrounding the crime.
The sheriff’s department is also working to identify a second person of interest who may have been involved in the shooting. Authorities have called on this individual to come forward as part of the ongoing investigation.
Young, who had been known for his strong work ethic and passion for football, is remembered by his community as a bright and promising young man. Local residents have expressed their sorrow over the loss.
The investigation remains active, and authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Image: Joseph Spinks, 50, Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department
ORGINAL ARTICLE:
A Toomsuba man was arrested early Christmas morning in connection with a fatal shooting on Christmas Eve in Lauderdale County.
At 7:10 p.m. on December 24, 2024, the Lauderdale County E-911 center received a report of three people shot at a residence in the 9500 block of Northeast Cole Road. Deputies and Metro Ambulance responded to the scene, where they found one female victim suffering from a gunshot wound. She was treated at the scene and transported to a local hospital. A second victim had already left the area in a private vehicle and was taken to the hospital by car. The third victim, a male, was found nonresponsive and was later pronounced dead at the scene. The Lauderdale County Coroner, Stella McMahan, was notified.
The suspect had fled the scene before deputies arrived, prompting an immediate search for both the individual and the suspect vehicle. At approximately 9:30 p.m., deputies located the suspect vehicle in the 7000 block of Welch Road. The suspect, identified as 50-year-old Joseph Spinks, was found at a nearby residence and taken into custody.
Investigators processed the crime scene on Northeast Cole Road and later moved to the residence on Welch Road. After further investigation, they obtained and executed a search warrant for the suspect’s vehicle and residence on Welch Road.
At approximately 3:30 a.m. on December 25, Spinks was charged with murder and booked into the Lauderdale County Detention Facility. He remains in custody without bond.
The Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department is continuing to investigate the incident, and additional charges may be forthcoming.
