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Jones County Man Fatally Shot in Early Morning Incident; Suspect in Custody
ELLISVILLE, Miss. (DailyKenn.com) — A 32-year-old man from Ellisville was killed in a shooting early Monday in rural Jones County, authorities said, as investigators probe what led to the deadly confrontation.
Donnie Bender Jr., 32, of Ellisville, was found suffering from a gunshot wound in the 500 block of Graves Road around 2 a.m. on Sept. 8, 2025, according to the Jones County Sheriff's Office. Deputies responded to reports of gunfire and discovered Bender at the scene. He was rushed by ambulance to South Central Regional Medical Center in nearby Laurel, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Joanna Husband, 46, believed to be his girlfriend, was charged with second-degree murder following what investigators described as a possible domestic dispute. The shooting appears to have stemmed from a domestic dispute, though investigators have not detailed a possible motive or the exact circumstances.
Graves Road, a quiet stretch of rural highway lined with modest homes and wooded lots, saw a heavy law enforcement presence as deputies secured the area for several hours. No other injuries were reported, and authorities urged anyone with information to come forward.
The Jones County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. An autopsy was ordered to determine the precise cause of death. Bender, a lifelong resident of the Ellisville area, leaves behind family and friends who described him in initial statements as a hardworking father devoted to his community.
This marks the second fatal shooting in Jones County this year, raising concerns among locals about rising interpersonal violence in the Pine Belt region. Services for Bender are pending.
Jones County deputies investigate fatal early morning shooting on Graves Road https://www.wdam.com/2025/09/09/jones-county-sheriffs-office-investigates-fatal-shooting/
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