JONES COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Carelessness with a firearm resulted last week with the death of a 25-year-old and the incarceration of a 19-year-old for his friend’s death.
De’Vante Jakari Ross was arrested May 18 and charged with felony involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct.
In a May 19 interview with the lead investigator in the case, Jones County Sheriff Office Lt. Kenny Gleaton, he said he got a call about 3 p.m. the previous day that a man had been shot at a mobile home park on Joycliff Road.
Gleaton said EMS was dispatched, and the victim, Zachery Morris, was inside the residence. He said both Ross and the victim lived at the residence. The investigator said medical personnel attempted to resuscitate the victim, but he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Gleaton said Ross told him that he was handling a .22 caliber rifle and thought it was unloaded.
“Mr. Ross said he aimed the rifle at his friend and pulled the trigger. The bullet struck the victim in the torso,” the investigator said. He said Ross called 911 and ran to a neighbor for help.
Gleaton said, when officers arrived, the scene was locked down and search warrants processed. He said Ross was taken into custody at the scene.
“This amounts to extremely careless handling of a firearm and a disregard for the most basic safety procedure,” the lieutenant stated.
Gleaton said it appeared the victim and the shooter were good friends, and there was no indication there was any malice or ill will between them.
“Ross is distraught and accepts responsibility; it was clearly an accident. But due to the total disregard for safety, we feel the charges are warranted,” he said.
The investigator said Ross is being held without bond until a hearing can be held.
