HOLLY SPRINGS, Miss. — The quiet morning of Saturday, August 9, 2024, in Holly Springs, Mississippi, turned into a scene of fear and tragedy when two people were shot and killed in separate incidents just minutes apart. Authorities believe the killings may be connected, and they are urgently searching for the prime suspect.
First Shooting at Circle K Gas Station
The violence began around 5:55 a.m. at a Circle K gas station on Highway 7 near Interstate 78. Holly Springs Police responded to reports of gunfire and found a man suffering from a fatal gunshot wound.
Despite immediate attempts at life-saving measures, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses told police the shooter fled in a small white SUV, which sped away from the gas station moments after the shots were fired.
Second Shooting and Fatal Car Crash
Less than 15 minutes later, police were called to West Boundary Street for a reported vehicle crash. Inside the back seat of the wrecked car, officers discovered Arriel Denton, 28, with multiple gunshot wounds.
First responders determined Denton had been shot before the crash and died from her injuries. Her presence in the back seat has raised questions for investigators about whether she was being transported after the shooting or caught in the middle of a violent dispute.
Suspect Identified
Authorities have named Darian Montrell McKinnsey, 31, as the man they believe is responsible for both deaths. McKinnsey, who is from the Holly Springs area, is considered armed and extremely dangerous.
Police have not publicly released details about a possible motive, but sources familiar with the investigation say both victims may have had some form of prior interaction with the suspect. Whether these incidents were targeted attacks or part of a broader dispute remains unclear.
Victims Remembered
Friends and family have begun mourning the two lives lost. The male victim from the gas station has not yet been publicly identified, pending family notification, but loved ones describe him as “kind-hearted” and “the type of person who would help anyone.”
Arriel Denton, the second victim, is remembered by those close to her as a loving daughter and a devoted friend. “She was the light in every room she entered,” one relative shared. “We can’t believe she’s gone.”
Community Shocked
The back-to-back killings have shaken Holly Springs residents, who are unaccustomed to such high-profile violence. “This is the kind of town where people know each other’s names — two shootings in one morning is unimaginable,” a local business owner told reporters.
Ongoing Investigation
The Holly Springs Police Department and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office are working together on the case. They are urging anyone with information about McKinnsey’s whereabouts to call Holly Springs PD at 662-649-6228 or Marshall County SO at 662-252-1311 immediately.
Authorities have warned the public not to approach McKinnsey if spotted.
As the search intensifies, residents are being reminded to stay alert, lock their doors, and report suspicious activity. While no official reward has been announced, law enforcement says community cooperation is key to bringing the suspect into custody.