An apparent turf war in Itta Bena has resulted in the arrest of two men — one of whom was out on bond and awaiting trial for the fatal shooting of Christopher Cross in September 2012.
Jarrett Griggs, 21, 202 Rainey Alley, Itta Bena, was arrested Tuesday on new charges of aggravated assault and felonious mischief stemming from an incident last Friday, Leflore County Sheriff Ricky Banks said.
Bond had not been set for Griggs in the latest incident this morning. He remained in the Leflore County Jail.
Cross, 31, who worked for Gene Bidwell Construction Co., was found shot once in the back in his Chevrolet Tahoe on Sept. 15, 2012. Griggs’ bond in that case was set at $200,000 in October.
The victim of last Friday’s incident claimed he was in his sister’s car with his 15-year-old nephew when Griggs and another man, Ricky Sherrod, shot at them as the pair drove through an alley, the sheriff said.
One bullet penetrated the trunk of the vehicle, and another struck the passenger side door just behind the window.
Banks said if the second bullet had traveled just an inch or two farther, it would have shattered the glass and likely struck someone inside.
Sherrod, 19, 202 Gammage St., Itta Bena, was arrested Wednesday. He has been charged with aggravated assault, public profanity, disturbing the peace, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct (two counts), trespassing and domestic violence.
He remained in the Leflore County Jail this morning.
Banks said the victim of last Friday’s shooting — a relative or friend of Cross’ — made a point of pouring an alcoholic beverage at the site of Cross’ murder. That location, at the intersection of Roosevelt and Douglas streets in Itta Bena, is considered to be Griggs’ turf, Banks said.
In an unrelated case, the Sheriff’s Department has formally charged a Greenwood man with aggravated assault in a shooting Monday on Mississippi 430.
Karris Martin, 33, 102 Canary Cove, is accused of shooting at a vehicle on the highway. The driver identified him afterward.
Martin was released on $5,000 bond on Wednesday.
Banks said that gunfire might also be linked to a shooting near the Bishop Apartments last Friday morning.
• Contact Bob Darden at 581-7239 or bdarden@gwcommonwealth.com.
