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SUMMARY: In Laurel, Mississippi, 21-year-old Ricky Lynn Dunaway III was fatally shot on December 9, 2025, during a vehicle chase and gunfire exchange on U.S. Highway 84. His 22-year-old passenger, Dewayne Carter IV, sustained minor injuries. Authorities arrested suspects Brooklyn Johnson, 19; Qmarion Gordon, 21; and Quorvantae Chapman, 24, charging them with first-degree murder amid a family-linked dispute. The victim was white. The accused males are black and the female is white.
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A 21-year-old Mississippi man lost his life in a chaotic highway gun battle that spanned two counties, leaving authorities grappling with a case that has shattered a tight-knit family and prompted calls to curb escalating gun violence in rural communities.
Ricky Lynn Dunaway III, a resident of the nearby town of Laurel, died from gunshot wounds sustained during the exchange of fire on Dec. 9, authorities said. The incident unfolded around midmorning when gunfire erupted between occupants of at least two vehicles traveling eastbound along U.S. Highway 84, originating in Jones County and continuing into neighboring Wayne County. What began as a localized dispute quickly escalated into a "rolling shootout," with shots fired from moving cars amid heavy traffic, according to the Jones County Sheriff's Office.
Dunaway, described by loved ones as a kind-hearted young man who often lent a hand to family and friends, was behind the wheel of one vehicle when he was struck multiple times. His passenger, 22-year-old Dewayne Carter IV, also of Laurel, suffered a non-life-threatening injury to his arm but survived after receiving medical treatment. The Jones County coroner's office confirmed Dunaway's identity and arranged for an autopsy to determine the exact cause and manner of death.
The pursuit ended when deputies in Wayne County intercepted a suspect vehicle, leading to the arrest of three individuals: Brooklyn Johnson, 19, and Qmarion Gordon, 21, both from Laurel, along with Quorvantae Chapman, 24, of Waynesboro. Initially booked on charges of aggravated assault and domestic aggravated assault, the trio's accusations were elevated to first-degree murder within days as investigators pieced together evidence linking them directly to the fatal barrage. Prosecutors noted that Johnson, Gordon's wife, had a familial connection to Dunaway through marriage — she was the stepdaughter of his grandfather — adding a layer of betrayal to the tragedy. A Jones County justice court judge denied bond for all three during an initial appearance on Dec. 11, citing the severity of the allegations and flight risk concerns.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has taken over the probe, combing through ballistic evidence, vehicle forensics and dashcam footage recovered from the scene. While no eyewitness statements have been publicly released, officials believe the altercation may have stemmed from a personal dispute that turned deadly in seconds. "This was a preventable loss," said MBI spokesperson Warren Strain, emphasizing the dangers of firearms in high-speed scenarios.
In the wake of the shooting, Dunaway's mother, Katie Gage, shared her anguish publicly, revealing how the news of her son's death floored her — literally. "When I was told, I just fell to my knees; people had to help me up and get me home," she recounted, her voice breaking during an interview. Gage painted a portrait of her son as a selfless soul who doted on his siblings and brightened any room with his easy smile. "He was friendly to everyone, always helping out. He didn't deserve this at all," she said. Turning her grief outward, Gage pleaded with parents across the region: "Love your children. Listen to them. And please, stop with the gun violence — it's tearing us apart."
The family, still reeling, has launched a community drive for donations to cover funeral costs and erect a memorial marker along the highway where Dunaway's life ended abruptly. Local leaders in Jones County, a rural area scarred by sporadic outbursts of violence, echoed Gage's sentiment. "We've got to do better at resolving conflicts before they explode like this," said Ellisville Mayor Johnny Morah, who attended a vigil held Thursday evening outside the county courthouse. Residents gathered under flickering candlelight, sharing stories of Dunaway's youth football days and quiet generosity, their murmurs blending into prayers for healing.
As the investigation presses forward, the case underscores a grim pattern: Jones County has seen a spike in roadway confrontations this year, with at least four fatalities tied to vehicular disputes. Authorities urge drivers to de-escalate tensions and report suspicious activity immediately, hoping to spare other families the devastation now enveloping the Dunaways.
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