Third person charged in shooting of Lake student

SCOTT COUNTY, Miss. (WTOK) – Three people are now charged with murder in the shooting death of Lake High School football player Travis Jones.

Capt. Willie Anderson of the Scott Co. Sheriff’s Office. “It has been determined that there may have been some past messages and conflicts that led to this particular incident.”

Jones was killed just after 3:00 p.m. on October 13. Officials said 30 to 40 shots were fired from different weapons. One of the bullets hit an 18-year-old man in the head while driving a car.

“They shot him when he was 70 meters away from his house. He and several other relatives were shot,” Anderson said.

The truck went off the road and into a wood line. It is unclear if Jones was the intended target.

“Mr. Travis was friends with several other people that he was hanging out with,” Anderson said. “We believe that the other person that Travis Jones was hanging out with was a potential target.”

A 13-year-old boy who was staying in a neighboring house was also shot. He was airlifted to UMMC with a leg wound.

Hours after Jones was killed on Oct. 13, there was a shooting at the coach’s home where the players had gathered.

“We think it’s possibly related to the Travis Jones murder. We’re looking into that as well,” Anderson said.

Jones was a senior guard for the Lake Hornets. He had 20 hits this season and was named player of the week before he was killed.

Jones’ coach spoke to News 11’s Sydney Wicker the day after the shooting.

“He always had a great attitude. You know, he was just one of those kids that was a joy to be around,” Anderson said. “One of the main things I want people to know is that he was a great kid. He will be greatly missed. It’s heartbreaking and we love him.”

Officials say they are not releasing the names of the suspects at this time. They expect more arrests and charges in the near future. In the meantime, if you have any information that could help authorities, you’re asked to call the Scott County Sheriff’s Office at 601-469-1511.

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