Police Officer From Tuscaloosa Killed in Mississippi Double Murder; Manhunt Underway
A police officer from Tuscaloosa and a woman were fatally shot in Meridian, Mississippi Thursday night, the Thread has learned.
The officer, Kennis Croom, was a Tuscaloosa native working for the Meridian Police Department. He became a law enforcement officer in 2013 and had served with multiple departments in Alabama and Mississippi, including the the Eutaw Police Department in Greene County.
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety is now investigating, and said Croom and a not-yet-publicly-identified woman were found at the scene of a shooting on 51st Avenue in Meridian Thursday.
State Police believe 31-year-old Dante Marquez Bender is responsible for the double homicide, and a manhunt is underway to find him Thursday night.
Police said he is believed to be driving a black 2004 Nissan Armada with the license plate "IMANI" and should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees a car matching that description is urged to immediately call police in whatever jurisdiction it is seen -- Bender is believed to be traveling on or near Interstates 59 and 20.
Anyone with information on Bender or his whereabouts, can also call 1-855-485-TIPS (8477) or send an email to MBITIPS@dps.ms.gov. All tips are anonymous.
Stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread for updates on this story as they become available.