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A 1-year-old baby girl and a 9-year-old boy were shot dead during a hostage situation that unfolded in Mississippi Monday, leading to a suspect’s arrest, authorities said.
The Coahoma County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to the scene in the 300 block of Coldwater River Road in Jonestown, Mississippi, around 2 a.m. and saw 25-year-old Marquez Griffin holding a child at gunpoint.
After negotiations, cops were able to get the young hostage to safety, but when they entered the apartment, they discovered 1-year-old Averi Jones, and a 9-year-old boy suffering from gunshot wounds.
The older child was pronounced dead at the scene, while the baby died at a hospital a short time later.
Melrose Haile, Averi’s grandmother, told the station WREG that she learned from the infant’s mother the harrowing details of her death.
“Her mom told me she was asleep and (Griffin) put a pillow over her head and shot her in her head,” Haile said.
The grandma added she was told by the baby’s mom that Griffin is a friend who was staying with her at the Summit Garden Apartments.
Haile separately told the station Action News 5 that she does not know Griffin personally but has been going to the same church as his aunt and cousin, whom she described as “sweet people.”
Investigators have not disclosed how Griffin was connected to Averi, her mother or the older child, who were all staying in the same apartment. No motive for the shooting has been released.
“All I know is my grandbaby Averi Jones is gone and I just want everyone to know that Averi Baby was a sweet baby,” her heartbroken grandmother said. “She didn’t deserve this.”
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