Man murdered in Roselawn

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, August 13, 2008

NATCHEZ — Police responding to a fight in the Roselawn area Tuesday morning arrived to find a murder victim.

The Natchez Police Department was dispatched at 12:59 a.m. to the intersection of Roselawn Drive and North Circle Drive, where a car had run into, and partially up, a light pole.

Charvius Martin, 24, 3 Dale Court, had been shot and killed while driving the white Chrysler 300 belonging to Erik Hutchins, 20, 2910 Miller Ave.

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“The victim was in the driver’s seat and was pronounced dead at the scene by ambulance personnel,” Natchez Police Chief Mike Mullins said.

Hutchins was also in the car at the time of the murder. He had left the scene of the crime, but returned while officers were there.

Jordan R. Bates, 18, 2707 Roselawn Drive, who was also allegedly in the car, was arrested at his residence at 2:12 a.m. Tuesday, on charges of murder.

“We recovered two weapons (from Bates) and we believe one of those weapons was the one that was used, from the preliminary investigation,” Mullins said.

Police said all three men knew each other, but the extent of their relationship is still under investigation.

“The motive for the shooting is under investigation, as well as the exact circumstances,” Mullins said.

Based on the damage to the car, Martin was shot while the car was either stopped, or moving very slowly, Mullins said.

Martin was shot in the head twice, Adams County Coroner James Lee said. One of the bullets also struck him in the arm after it exited his head.

“There was certain evidence that he may have been shot from behind,” Lee said.

Lee also said that the killing did not appear to be an accident.

“One fact remains, whoever the shooter was, he intended to take a life,” Lee said.

“It’s a tragedy for Adams County, it’s a tragedy for the family.”

Martin worked offshore.