Published: October 31, 2009 12:42 am      

MPD investigates murder

Shooting death is third of the year

Detectives with the Meridian Police Department are trying to unravel the details behind a mid-morning shooting Friday that left one man dead in his car.

In a press release issued Friday afternoon, officials at the Meridian Police Department said the victim was identified as 29-year-old Jerome Hearn, of Meridian. Detectives are currently investigating the homicide, which occurred at a vacant residence located in the 2300 block of 25th Avenue.

"At about 10:35 a.m. Friday Central Dispatch received a call of several shots being heard in the area," said Capt. James Sharpe, who is the commander of the MPD's Criminal Investigation Division. "When officers with the patrol division arrived they discovered Hearn in a blue 1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo that was sitting in the driveway of the property."

Sharpe said Hearn appeared to have suffered gunshot wounds. Hearn was pronounced dead at the scene by Lauderdale County Coroner Clayton Cobler.

An autopsy by the Mississippi State Crime Lab will be scheduled to determine the official cause of death.

Beverly Hall, who lives in the home directly behind the crime scene said the home was being renovated and was believed to be empty at the time of the incident. She said she didn't hear anything suspicious this morning.

"I was surprised to see all the blue lights at around 11 a.m.," said Hall. "That is when I was told what happened."

Drug paraphernalia was reportedly found at the scene but the details of the incident remain unclear.

"I don't remember seeing anyone coming or going from that particular home in recent months," said Hall. "I guess that is why I'm so surprised at what has happened here today."