An autopsy will be conducted to determine how a man whose body was found in his vehicle in Itta Bena on Saturday morning died.
Christopher Cross, 31, of Itta Bena was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Leflore County Coroner Debra Sanders.
Itta Bena Police Chief Robert Kirklin said that Cross’ body was found in his Chevrolet Tahoe, which was parked across the street from a Double Quick convenience store in downtown Itta Bena.
Kirklin said his department received a call around 5:45 a.m. Saturday.
“The caller said that a male was inside his vehicle and he was unresponsive,” the chief said.
Officers and an ambulance arrived on the scene at the same time. Efforts to revive Cross were unsuccessful, Kirklin said.
The chief said witnesses told officers that Cross had been seen driving around town earlier that morning.
Kirklin said the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation was called in to assist the department with the investigation.
According to Kirklin, MBI crime scene technicians came to Itta Bena Saturday morning to check the location where Cross’ body was found for possible evidence of criminal wrongdoing.
Both Sanders and Kirklin declined to comment on reports that Cross suffered a gunshot wound.
Kirklin said he wouldn’t be able to discuss the case until the autopsy has been completed.
He didn’t say where the autopsy was being conducted or when he expects to receive the results.
Sanders said the family told authorities that Cross had “medical problems” but would not comment further.
Cross’ brother, Antonio Cross, said the family isn’t sure what’s going on in the case.
“We don’t what’s wrong,” he said.
He said he’s been trying to console his mother over the sudden loss of her son.
• Contact Bob Darden at 581-7239 or bdarden@gwcommonwealth.com.
