A homeowner found Jayrell Cox behind her residence on Sept. 22. However, it took days before police worked out the connection with a robbery attempt the week before.
In that incident, a resident of the Gulf Coast area was leaving his home when he discovered two armed men under his carport. The alleged burglars then attempted to enter the residence using force, and gunfire was exchanged in the violent confrontation.
The homeowner told investigators he was uncertain if he had struck either of the suspects.
It was the next morning when Cox’s body was found.
Local media reported that the young man’s death is being investigated in connection to the attempted home invasion. Charges are very unlikely as the homeowner by all accounts was protecting himself and his property from attack.
And home invasions are now an issue in the small town. Only, another incident a month ago ended with the resident being shot and killed.
According to police, 27-year-old Kevin Harvey lost his life when unknown suspects fired several shots through his door in an attempted home invasion. Moss Point authorities believe it was an isolated incident and have not determined why the home was targeted.
No arrests have been made and no connection has been established between the two fatal incidents.
The two residences are under five miles apart. These attacks should make it clear to locals that there is a strong need to be properly prepared. For law-abiding citizens, that preparation may well involve a security system and a legal firearm.
