Kennis Croom, a Mississippi police officer in Meridian and nephew of former Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom, was shot and killed on Thursday.

The Meridian Star reported that Kennis Croom, a native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was shot and killed during a domestic violence call around 5:30 p.m. in an incident where a woman also died. James E. Davis, the chief of the Jackson Police Department, released a statement honoring Kennis Croom’s service and dedication to the community, and offered condolences to the Croom family.

“To the family of Officer Croom, I am praying for your strength at this time of immense sorrow. I know there are no words that can ease your pain. I will pray daily that you find solace in his memory; he will truly be missed, he is a hero forever,” Davis said in a statement. “I also want to extend condolences to the young woman who had her life taken away from her in this senseless act of violence.”

WAPT reported that law enforcement officers statewide are searching for Dante Bender, 31. The suspect is believed to be driving a 2004 black Nissan Armada with a license plate reading “IMANI.”

Statement from Chief James E. Davis on fallen Meridian Police Officer Croom. pic.twitter.com/bsKWEMqe9d

— Jackson Police Department (@JacksonMSPolice) June 10, 2022

For those wondering: Yes, this is the nephew of Coach Sylvester Croom. Very sad day in our state. Please remember the family and the community in the days ahead. https://t.co/ZH72zRnE5N

— Steve Robertson (@ScoutSteveR) June 10, 2022

Keith Farner

A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.