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WILKINSON COUNTY — The prime suspect in the death of Bernadine Seiber Rogers, 60, is dead after law enforcement officers attempted to arrest him on Sunday, March 16, at his residence in Clayton, La.

The Wilkinson County Sheriff’s Office obtained an arrest warrant for Gregory Thompson, 60, of Clayton. Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputies, Concordia Parish Narcotics Task Force Agents and Vidalia Police Officers attempted to execute the arrest warrant on him when he shot himself. Thompson was transported to the hospital, where he died.

Rogers was reported missing after no contact with her family starting Monday, March 3, in Wilkinson County. Wilkinson County Sheriff deputies along with Woodville Police Chief Lemuel Rutledge and his officers started a missing person investigation.

Thompson was identified as a suspect due to a relationship between the two and conflicting statements made by him as to the nature of their relationship, authorities said. Upon finding Rogers’ body on Thursday, March 6, Thompson stopped all communications with law enforcement.

Wilkinson County Sheriff Investigator O.J. Packnett continued the investigation along with members of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations (MBI), Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Vidalia Police Department. Evidence was discovered linking Thompson to Rogers’ death.

“I am continuing to pray for the Seiber and Rogers families. Even though they may still have a lot of questions that may never get answered, at least they can start the healing process,” said Investigator O.J. Packnett.

Wilkinson County Sheriff Reginald L. Jackson added, “Our prayers go out to the family of Bernadine Rogers. We worked this case with every resource available to use. Our hope was for a better outcome.

“I want to give thanks to Agents J. Leggett and A. Purser (of the Mississippi) Bureau of Investigation, Woodville Police, Chief Lemuel Rutledge and his officers, Vidalia Police Chief Joey Merrill and his officers, Concordia Parish Sheriff David Hedrick and his deputies, Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten and Capt. Ruston Cavin with the Criminal Investigation Division, along with my deputies here at the WCSO for their assistance throughout this investigation.”