Another Natchez man arrested for murder in connection with Oct. 1 shooting

Published 2:34 pm Thursday, October 19, 2017

 

NATCHEZ — Another suspect was arrested Wednesday in connection to an Oct. 1 shooting spree that led to one man’s death and random shots being fired throughout the city.

Wednesday’s arrest marked the seventh suspect arrested in the case and the third charged with murder since Monday.

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Adam’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Kiandas Washington, 19, 111A W. Stiers Lane, wanted by the Natchez Police Department for murder and four counts aggravated assault.

ACSO also had a warrant out for Washington’s arrest for possession of a stolen firearm. Washington was arraigned on that charge Thursday morning, but Justice Court Judge Patricia Dunmore chose not to set bond for Washington because of the “extenuating circumstances” of his pending murder charge.

Natchez Police Chief Walter Armstrong commended the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and its deputies for apprehending Washington.Monday, U.S. Marshals and police in Cleveland, Tenn., arrested Harry Smith Jr., 19. The following day, Natchez police arrested Datarrius Terrell Matthews, 24, 14 Woodside Court. Each was charged with murder and five and four counts, respectively, of aggravated assault.

Two of the suspects that Armstrong has named remain at large: Stacy Woods II, 20, wanted for murder and five counts aggravated assault, and Harry Smith Sr., the father of Smith Jr., wanted for accessory after the fact to aggravated assault.

Armstrong, however, said Wednesday the department has identified even more individuals as potential suspects and more arrests are pending. Armstrong would not disclose the names of any additional suspects or persons of interest.

Including Woods and Smith Sr., Armstrong said a total of four suspects are at large.

“If anyone is harboring these criminals, they will be arrested as well,” Armstrong said.

The arrests stem from an Oct. 1 incident in which multiple men allegedly drove around town in a white pickup truck and randomly fired more than 130 shots from a high-powered assault rifle.

Armstrong said the individuals shot three vehicles, one of which was a 2006 Cadillac belonging to Richard Frazier. Police believe Frazier, who was killed by the gunfire, was targeted by the suspects charged in the murder.

Armstrong said those at large should be considered armed and dangerous and urged anyone with information that could aid in the investigation to contact the Natchez Police Department or Crime Stoppers.