A tragic incident unfolded in rural Mississippi on the night of March 15, 2024, when a 24-year-old man, Daricka M. Moore, allegedly killed six individuals, including his father, brother, and a seven-year-old cousin. The violent rampage occurred at three separate locations, shocking the tight-knit community of West Point and surrounding areas.
Authorities reported that Moore targeted family members, beginning with his father, Glenn Moore (67), his brother, Quinton Moore (33), and his uncle, Willie Ed Guines (55), at their family mobile home. After the initial murders, he is believed to have stolen his brother’s truck and traveled a short distance to a cousin’s house, where he killed his young cousin and attempted sexual battery against her before the fatal act.
During a press conference, Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott expressed disbelief at the violence, stating, “I don’t know what kind of motive you could have to kill a 7-year-old.” Reports indicate that Moore also threatened another child present but did not discharge the weapon.
Following the attacks on his family, Moore allegedly proceeded to the Apostolic Church of The Lord Jesus, where he killed the church’s pastor, Rev. Barry Bradley, and his brother, Samuel Bradley. The Bradleys were reportedly at the church for the weekend, and some members of Moore’s family attended the same congregation.
Moore’s rampage came to an end just before midnight when he was apprehended at a police roadblock in Cedarbluff. Local, state, and federal law enforcement had mobilized in response to the unfolding situation. Moore was taken into custody and is being held without bail at the Clay County jail, facing multiple murder charges.
Sheriff Scott confirmed that evidence and witness statements point to Moore as the sole shooter in the incidents, and no additional injuries were reported. Investigators are continuing to question him, but the motivation behind the attacks remains unclear. “A situation like this, you’ve got a family member attacking their own family,” Scott added.
The Clay County District Attorney, Scott Colom, announced plans to pursue the death penalty. He remarked on the severity of the situation, stating, “Six people, one night, several different scenes, it’s about as bad as it gets.” Colom indicated that Moore would likely be appointed a public defender during his initial court appearance, scheduled for March 18, 2024.
As the investigation continues, the state medical examiner is conducting autopsies on the victims. Sheriff Scott noted the profound grief felt by the surviving relatives, describing conversations as difficult, primarily centered around prayers. The community is grappling with the aftermath of such a devastating loss.
The events have left an indelible mark on the local area, with residents struggling to comprehend the violence that unfolded among family members. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office continues to work diligently to uncover further details surrounding this tragic incident as they provide support to the affected families.
