Deadly Encounter in Lee County: Murder Charges Filed in County Road 295 Double Killing
LEE COUNTY, MS – A quiet community in Lee County was rocked on Friday, May 23, 2025, when sheriff’s deputies discovered the bodies of two individuals inside a residence located on County Road 295, in the Shannon area. The disturbing discovery has prompted a full-scale homicide investigation led by the Lee County Sheriff’s Department.
According to Sheriff Jim Johnson, deputies were dispatched to the property after a 911 call was placed around 3:30 p.m. Upon arrival at the scene, law enforcement officers made contact with the property owner and a resident who was present at the time. Deputies then proceeded to conduct a thorough search of the premises.
During that search, officers located the lifeless bodies of two individuals inside the residence. The victims have since been identified as 43-year-old Frank West and 39-year-old Cambre Dean. Lee County Coroner Carolyn Green later confirmed that both individuals died from gunshot wounds, though further details on the nature of the injuries have not yet been released.
Following the grim discovery, authorities detained 39-year-old Jonathan Kelly, a resident of Shannon, without incident. Initially considered a person of interest in the case, Kelly was brought in for questioning by sheriff’s investigators. Based on the evidence collected at the crime scene, combined with statements provided during the interview, investigators formally charged Kelly with two counts of First-Degree Murder.
Kelly is currently being held at the Lee County Adult Jail. A bond hearing was held before the Lee County Justice Court, during which Kelly’s bond was set at $10 million.
Sheriff Johnson emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing. While the arrest marks a significant development in the case, authorities have not yet released any information regarding a possible motive or the events that may have led up to the shooting.
“We are diligently working to piece together what happened in the hours and days leading up to this tragic incident,” said Sheriff Johnson. “Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, and we will continue to seek justice on their behalf.”
The sheriff’s department is urging anyone with information that could aid the investigation to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at their earliest convenience.
As the investigation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge. The community continues to mourn the sudden loss of two of its residents, while law enforcement remains committed to uncovering the full story behind this devastating act of violence.