Gulfport Police Search for Suspect in Deadly West Side Park Shooting on Saturday

Gulfport, MS (BuzzReport) – The Gulfport Police Department is actively searching for a suspect in a fatal shooting that occurred at West Side Park on Saturday, June 14th. The incident, which took place while an anti-gun violence event was being held across town, has left the community reeling.

Officers responded to reports of a shooting at the park, located in Gulfport’s west side, at approximately 5:36 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered a victim suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Detectives have identified the suspect as 32-year-old Kendall Jamal McCall of Jackson, Mississippi. According to the ongoing investigation, McCall allegedly confronted the victim, brandished a firearm, and shot him before fleeing the scene.

A warrant has been issued for McCall’s arrest on one count of first-degree murder. He is described as a Black male, approximately 5’7″ tall, weighing 150 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes, and multiple facial tattoos. Authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution as McCall is considered armed and dangerous.

The shooting unfolded while residents and community leaders were gathering across town at the VFW on Dedeaux Road for an event aimed at combating gun violence. The event included the family of Christopher Brown, a 16-year-old who was fatally shot on a street corner in Gulfport in the early morning hours of June 10, 2024. Over a year later, Brown’s killer remains at large, highlighting the ongoing struggle against gun violence in the area.

The timing of the West Side Park shooting underscores the urgent need for solutions to address the root causes of violence in the community. The tragic irony of a fatal shooting occurring simultaneously with an anti-gun violence rally has amplified the frustration and grief felt by many in Gulfport.

The Gulfport Police Department is urging anyone with information regarding McCall’s whereabouts or any details related to the West Side Park shooting to come forward. You can contact the Gulfport Police Department at 228-868-5959 or Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at mscrimestoppers.org. The public’s assistance is crucial in bringing McCall to justice and providing closure to the victim’s family.