Man killed in late-night murder at liquor store

Published 9:43 am Thursday, January 3, 2013

LAUREN WOOD/THE NATCHEZ DEMOCRAT — Family members of Tyrone Bernard stand outside of DD's Package Store after placing a wreath of flowers on the door of the store Thursday afternoon in his memory. Bernard was shot and killed after leaving work after his shift and closing the store at approximately 10 p.m. last night.

NATCHEZ — A Natchez man was killed Wednesday night after he was reportedly ambushed by four men while closing up the liquor store at which he worked.

Natchez Detective Jerry Ford said four individuals were waiting in the alley beside DD’s Package Store on Martin Luther King Jr. Street for Tyrone Bernard, 49, 308 1/2 S. Bluebird Drive, while he was closing the store at approximately 10 p.m.. When Bernard came outside, Ford said, the suspects rushed him.

“He got in a scuffle with one of them, and while that was going on, one of them shot him,” Ford said.

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Bernard attempted to leave the scene in his car, Ford said, presumably to get help, but died shortly after getting in his vehicle. Ford said Bernard’s vehicle cruised approximately 40 feet across the street.

Police have not yet identified any suspects.

Anyone with any information about the murder should call NPD at 601-445-5565 or Crime Stoppers at 601-442-5000.

Crime Stoppers offers a reward up to $1,000 for a tip leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect. Callers can remain anonymous.