Mississippi man shot dead at apartment, suspect arrested during traffic stop next day

A 24-year-old Mississippi man was shot to death at an apartment complex and police say the 19-year-old shooting suspect was arrested the next day during a traffic stop.

In the early morning of Aug. 21, the Oxford Police Department said gunshots were heard at an apartment complex in Oxford, Mississippi.

At the scene, 24-year-old John Adams was found dead, police said.

Witnesses gave police a description of the vehicle, but the shooter left the area, officials said.

About 24 hours later, that vehicle was pulled over by officers with the Batesville Police Department and Panola County Sheriff’s Office, according to authorities. Keith Lamont Harmon Jr., 19, was taken into custody and charged with Adams’ death, police said.

In a statement from Oxford Police Chief Jeff McCutchen, he said, “Over the past few weeks, our local law enforcement officers have been meeting with other local, state and federal agencies to work to combat the growing violence in our area. Oxford is a safe community and we are committed to keeping it that way. If you come to Oxford to harm and victimize our community, rest assured that we will pour every resource and every ounce of our energy we have to finding you and prosecuting you to the fullest extent of the law... This is a tragic event that cut a young promising life short and altered a family forever. John had just graduated in May from (Ole Miss) with a degree in mechanical engineering. To the Adam’s family, our hearts and prayers are with you.”

Harmon was charged with first-degree murder and is being held on a $1 million bond, police said.