On Monday, May 20th at around 10:30 pm, Wayne County sheriff deputies were called to a fatal shooting on Revette Drive in State Line. Sheriff Jerry Mosley informed the public that Roderick Lafayette was killed while trying to break into a neighbor’s home. According to Mosley, Lafayette had torn away the bars from a glass door and kicked out the glass before attempting to break through the wood door when he was shot. The neighbors living nearby called 911 to report the incident.
Lafayette’s mother, Juanita Whigham, shared her fears with the community after her son’s death. She explained that her son had been struggling with mental health issues for almost twenty years. Pictures of monsters hanging in his room were evidence of his declining mental state over time. Whigham had tried to find long-term solutions for her son’s condition but was unable to locate appropriate resources in Mississippi, as facilities only offered short-term commitments.
In the aftermath of her son’s death, Whigham reached out to Ken, one of the neighbors involved in the shooting, whom she has known since childhood. Ken apologized to her for his role in Lafayette’s death and Whigham forgave him. She urged him to prioritize his family’s safety and understood how difficult the situation must have been for him. The community came together to support both families during this tragic event.
The investigation is ongoing and Wayne County authorities are handling it with care and sensitivity. WDAM 7 news will provide updates as more information becomes available. To stay informed on local news and events, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking on the link above. Copyright 2024 WDAM All rights reserved
