Byhalia police standoff ends with suspect killed and woman found dead

A nearly 10-hour police standoff in Byhalia, Mississippi, ended with the death of an armed suspect and the discovery of a deceased woman inside a residence on Church Street.

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety reported that officers responded to the home around 11 p.m. Saturday following reports that a woman had been shot. Upon arrival, the suspect, identified as 47-year-old Russell L. Kelly Jr. of Memphis, began firing shots at officers with a semi-automatic rifle. Despite attempts by police negotiators to persuade Kelly to surrender, the gunfire continued even after the arrival of a S.W.A.T. team. An officer discharged a weapon, striking Kelly, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities were able to evacuate two adults and a child from the home during the encounter. A woman was found dead inside the residence, though her identity has not yet been released. No law enforcement officers sustained serious injuries. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has taken over the case and will report its findings to the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office.