Police Investigate Homicide

Home · News · Weather · Sports · Schools · Photo Album · Program Schedule · Obituaries · Stocks · ALFA Skycam Network · Classifieds

Health · Politics · 2008 Elections · Community · Religion · Entertainment · Restaurants · Station Info · Recipes · Green Guide · Horoscopes · Gas Prices · Coupons

Save

Meridian, Miss.
Posted: 10:39 AM Aug 20, 2008
Last Updated: 10:54 AM Aug 21, 2008
Reporter: Rebecca Ward
Email Address: rebecca.ward@wtok.com

19 comments

Photos

A | A | A

Meridian police are investigating the robbery and murder of the owner of the BP Station on North Frontage Road, whose body was discovered Wednesday morning. A customer called authorities shortly before 7 a.m.

According to Police Chief Benny Dubose, when officers arrived they found the door locked. However, it appeared some one had been in the store. Once police officers were able to gain access, the discovery was made.

"We got the locksmith to open the door, went inside and discovered the body of the owner of the BP Station in the restroom," said Dubose.

The murder is believed to have occurred Tuesday night sometime between 9:45 and 10:15.

"The victim's vehicle is missing from this location, so whoever committed this crime took the vehicle also."

The vehicle is a 2002 silver Chevy Malibu, with a Lauderdale County tag,
LAZ 687. Officials say they believe the suspect or suspects, considered armed and dangerous, took the car and could still be in it.

The body has been sent to Jackson for an autopsy. Chief Dubose said the results should be available in a day or two.

Anyone with information about the vehicle, suspect(s), or any information that might be helpful is asked to call Crimestoppers at 601-616-4317 or your local law enforcement agency.

Click Pictures to Enlarge

More Stories
Hike in Domestic Violence Linked to Bad Economy?

Holloway Case Apparently Near End

CDC: "Mississippi Has Highest Teen Birth Rate"

Flood Warnings Issued Around Miss., Ala.

FEMA Extending Hotel Program In Louisiana

Threefoot Project Passes Council

County Reacts to Job Losses

PSC Approves Energy-Saving Plan

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 21, 2008 at 07:58 PM
I have been a police officer, too. And Meridian needs a new chief and Lauderdale County needs a new sheriff. Both from outside each department.

Posted by: Tina Location: Anonymous on Aug 21, 2008 at 07:35 PM
Does anyone know the name of the person who was shot at the BP station?

Posted by: Everette Location: Union Ms. on Aug 21, 2008 at 11:23 AM
It Is A Shame How People Can Always Get The Perseption That It Is Always The Police Officer Or The Cheifs Fault For Crime,You Have To Look Futher Back Than That,I Have Been A Police Officer,The Deal Is An Officer Arrests A Criminal And The System Puts Them Back On The Street.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 21, 2008 at 11:17 AM
If we want a new police chief, we have to get a new mayor. The election is next year. JRS almost lost in the primary and almost lost in the general election. He can be beaten. But there have to be candidates who are prepared for the job and willing to run a serious campaign.

Posted by: Jim Location: Lauderdale County on Aug 21, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Does anyone really know the difference between a police chief and a sheriff? To me, they are both responsible for heading law enforcement agencies, one city the other county. Right? But who do they work for. Our Sheriff, who I like, is in an elected position and thus works for the citizens of Lauderdale County. The police chief works for....the city administration. As long as he keeps the current mayor happy, then he has a job. It wouldn't matter how bad things got here. Every 4 years we, Lauderdale Countians, have the option to elect a new Sheriff, but never an opportunity to replace a chief. Think about it. And how long did it take LCSO to catch Billy Kinard, give or take 48 hours. And how long has it been that someone was shot downtown....1 block from the police station, might I add, and MPD still doesn't have a suspect. Humm! Benny, I hear Hudson's is needing a security guard. Want an application?

Posted by: Everette Location: Union Ms. on Aug 21, 2008 at 11:03 AM
This Homicide Is A Direct Result,Of A Leanant Judicial System,The Criminal Has No Fear Of Being Put To Death For Taking another Human Beings Life,I Dont Know About The Mayor Saying That you Should Not Be Afraid BUT I Dont Feel Safe In Meridian.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 21, 2008 at 11:02 AM
I get frustrated with the police, too, sometimes. Some of them don't have very good character. But there are also some that do, and do a good job. Please don't think there is NO ONE decent there, because that's not true. I also agree that whoever is chief should not have the mayor, any mayor or administration, trying to micro-manage the department. Let people who know police work manage the department.

Posted by: cit Location: mdn on Aug 21, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Police are controlled by the Mayor... need a new form of government that the chief is protected to do what he feels it right....

Posted by: concerned citizen Location: meridian on Aug 21, 2008 at 10:00 AM
i am sorry to hear about this crime. the crime in meridian is very high, i blame it on the policies,they walk around thinking they so good,but they sorry to busy trying to look at womens,especially benny he think he so pretty he want even speak to you, hou can you call yourself chief,when you think you are more than anyone else.solve these crimes and stop trying to be a play boy.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Meridian on Aug 21, 2008 at 08:57 AM
First off my heart goes out to the victim's family. Now for the crime that is going on the majority of the police officers are involved one way are the other that is why the crimes are not solved. As long as you have men and women who will not work and raise their children to be lazy you will always have a high crime rate.

Posted by: Terry Location: Meridian on Aug 21, 2008 at 06:53 AM
I wondered how hard it would be for the police to check on busineses open late or all night. Just a drive thru the parking lot to make sure all is OK. Then I saw the footage the 5'5" 300lb police that are part of meridians finest. No doubt getting out of the cruiser of a huge undertaking. Isn't there supposed to be some restrictions or physical test for the MDP? The bisquet lift? The dognut curl?

Posted by: Nelda Location: Indiana on Aug 21, 2008 at 05:45 AM
Boy it seems a lot of people down there are very unhappy with your police Dept. Can't the people do something about it? Like fire them and get some new ones.

Posted by: Maurice L Location: Meridian on Aug 20, 2008 at 10:12 PM
So unfortunate for this poor person and their family, and to have to lay their all night long. What do you do about a police dept that can't solve crimes and catch violent criminals. I realize crime is everywhere but at least other areas solve their crimes. Lauderdale Co sherrifs dept solves crime. Be ashamed MPD and chief Benny. Your not doing your job. I don't and never have carried a gun but it may be time to reconsider. We must be protected. MPD can't and won't do it.

Posted by: kim Location: Toomsuba on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:04 PM
Also we have alot of crack heads in Toomsuba. And also they sell pills and anything else you want to get. We have a major problem with this and also alot of speeding. Something needs to be done.I want let my kids get out of the house much because of the speeding and drinking and there cray driving,raceing up 11&80.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:00 PM
Doesn't anyone get it yet? Meridian is in dire need of police administration, starting with the chief. Look at the bogus stuff going on in Meridian, and within the Meridian Police Department. The best thing that could happen would be a new chief of police and a new sheriff.

Posted by: chris Location: meridian on Aug 20, 2008 at 06:23 PM
All i can say is that whoever did this is a very sorry person, they will get what they have coming to them either now or later. I stopped in the store alot, and the victom was very kind to everyone, he would have never hurt anyone in my opinion. The crime rate has gotten bad here in Meridian, thats why my guns are always close and loaded.

Posted by: daisy Location: meridian on Aug 20, 2008 at 06:10 PM
I think when everyone knows where the crack houses are except for the cops, WE MIGHT HAVE A PROBLEM.

Posted by: bret Location: meridian on Aug 20, 2008 at 05:15 PM
I think that the crime rate in Meridian is on the rise because the police department are not doing their job like they are supposed to the police would rather give trafic tickets and dui's. they say that they are just trying to keep the roads safe if that is the case then why dont they sit at the bar and give free breathalizers so that people wont drive all they are worried about is the money from the dui and not worried about the real problems like the crack houses in my community that bring drugs and guns into meridian Pail Harvey said on national radio that if you want to commit murder come to meridian, Ms but dont be drinkin and driving while you do it. i have no respect for the Meridian police department and crime is not goin to change unless something changes with our police department