Small Town Shaken After Judge Was Shot, Killed in Chambers; Sheriff Arrested

Summary

A small town in Mississippi is reeling after a judge was shot and killed in his chambers, and the sheriff has been arrested in connection with the crime. The shooting occurred on Tuesday morning at the courthouse in the town of Smithville, which has a population of about 900 people. The victim, Judge Robert L. Stevens, 64, was shot multiple times in the chest and died at the scene. The suspect, Sheriff William L. Durr, 62, was arrested shortly after the shooting and charged with murder.

Details of the Incident

According to witnesses, Durr entered Stevens' chambers and shot him without saying a word. Durr then fled the scene, but was apprehended by police a short time later. Investigators are still trying to determine a motive for the shooting, but they believe that Durr may have been angry about a recent ruling by Stevens.

Stevens had been a judge in Smithville for over 20 years, and was well-respected in the community. He was known for his fairness and impartiality, and was considered to be a pillar of the community.

Reaction from the Community

The shooting has sent shockwaves through the small town of Smithville. Residents are struggling to come to terms with the fact that such a violent crime could happen in their community.

"This is a terrible tragedy," said one resident. "Judge Stevens was a good man, and he didn't deserve to die like this." Another resident said, "I can't believe that the sheriff is the one who did this. He's supposed to be the one who protects us."

Investigation Ongoing

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation into the shooting. Investigators are interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence in an effort to determine what led to the crime.

Durr is being held in the Monroe County Jail without bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday for a preliminary hearing.