Woman shot Friday dies, 2 teens charged

Published 12:00 am Thursday, January 5, 2017

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated to correct the name of the victim to Destiney Kennedy.

NATCHEZ — A 21-year-old woman shot Friday at the Natchez Youth Center died Wednesday, and two teenagers are expected to be charged with her murder.

Natchez Police Chief Daniel White said Destiney Kennedy died Wednesday after being taken off life support.

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White said Jadarrius McKnight, 17, 500 W. Stiers Lane, and Kristopher Nelson, 17, 309 S. Bluebird Drive, were charged with attempted murder and two counts of aggravated assault prior to Kennedy’s death.

White said the attempted murder charges would be upgraded to murder.

White said the circumstances surrounding the shooting are unclear, but police believe it might have begun with drug deal that did not go as planned.

Before the shooting, Kennedy was in the car with her mother, and reportedly asked to stop by the youth center to meet someone. Following the shooting, Kennedy’s mother left the scene and drove to Dollar General on Wilson Road near the youth center seeking help.

Anyone with information about the shooting should contact Crime Stoppers at 601-442-5000 or the Natchez Police Department at 601-445-5565.

Crime Stoppers offers rewards of up to $1,000 for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect.

Calls are anonymous.