The city of Meridian, Mississippi, is once again facing the grim aftermath of gun violence as authorities have confirmed additional charges in the deadly shooting that took place in Frank Berry Courts on May 20. The incident, which left one man dead and another hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, has now led to the arrest of a second individual. On May 28, Jaquarius Nelson was officially charged by Meridian police with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, bringing a new layer of complexity to the case.
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According to Acting Captain Dareall Thompson of the Meridian Police Department, the original confrontation occurred between two individuals—Malcolm Johnson and Marquez Green—who reportedly exchanged gunfire during the early evening hours at Frank Berry Courts, a housing complex that has previously experienced its share of criminal activity. Both men sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to local hospitals for emergency treatment. However, while Johnson would recover and later face a murder charge, Green’s condition was significantly more grave.
Marquez Green was listed in critical condition following the shootout. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries two days later, on May 22. His death officially elevated the investigation from a shooting to a homicide, triggering a more expansive police response and ultimately leading to Johnson’s arrest.
Malcolm Johnson was treated and discharged from the hospital on May 23. He was taken into custody immediately upon his release and charged with murder in connection with Green’s death. The seriousness of the charge was underscored by the bond amount set—$1 million. Johnson is now being held at the Clarke County Jail as the legal process moves forward.
But the case did not end there. Authorities continued their investigation into the incident and those potentially involved. It was within this continued inquiry that Jaquarius Nelson emerged as a second individual of interest. Police have not publicly confirmed Nelson’s physical presence at the scene at the time of the shooting. However, what has been confirmed is that Nelson was found to be in possession of a firearm while having a prior felony conviction—a violation of Mississippi law that carries severe penalties and adds another dimension to an already deadly confrontation.
Nelson’s charge—felon in possession of a firearm—is significant, not only for its legal weight but also for what it may imply about the broader circumstances surrounding the shooting. The charge suggests that Nelson was either directly involved in the events at Frank Berry Courts or was present in some capacity that drew the attention of law enforcement during or after the incident. The precise connection between Nelson and the two men engaged in the shootout has not been publicly clarified, and authorities have not announced any additional charges against him related to the actual gunfire exchange. Nonetheless, his $10,000 bond indicates that while his charge is a felony, it does not currently rise to the level of homicide-related offenses, at least based on available evidence.
The Frank Berry Courts shooting adds yet another entry to Meridian’s ongoing struggle with gun violence—a challenge faced by communities across Mississippi and the United States more broadly. Gunfire in residential housing complexes, especially those like Frank Berry Courts with dense populations and limited resources, has become an unfortunate fixture in law enforcement reports. These events ripple far beyond the individuals involved, affecting families, neighbors, and the broader community fabric.
Acting Captain Dareall Thompson’s remarks on the case, though limited in detail due to the active investigation, pointed to the broader concerns about retaliatory violence and the dangers posed by illegal firearms in the hands of convicted felons. Law enforcement continues to piece together the full sequence of events that led to the fatal exchange, with more interviews and forensic analysis likely to inform potential future charges.
Malcolm Johnson’s charge of murder will now proceed through the court system. Given the facts already made public, the prosecution may argue that Johnson’s actions were premeditated or at the very least unjustified, especially if Green is determined to have been shot while attempting to retreat or after the threat had diminished. Conversely, Johnson’s defense could claim self-defense, citing the mutual exchange of gunfire as indicative of a fight between two armed individuals, each fearing for his own life. Mississippi’s legal standards, including its “stand your ground” provisions and statutes regarding self-defense, will be highly relevant in evaluating Johnson’s culpability.
Meanwhile, Nelson’s case, while less headline-grabbing, also underscores the consequences of firearm possession by those already legally prohibited from carrying weapons. Mississippi law imposes strict prohibitions on felons found in possession of firearms, and Nelson’s case could result in substantial prison time depending on prior history and circumstances.
As of now, the Meridian Police Department has not indicated whether additional arrests are expected. The community remains on edge, grappling with the reverberations of a deadly encounter that claimed one life, endangered others, and now brings at least two men into the grip of the criminal justice system.
The legacy of violence at Frank Berry Courts continues to raise questions about community safety, conflict resolution, and the role of law enforcement in preventing such tragedies before they occur. Whether this latest incident will prompt broader reform, community outreach, or policy intervention remains to be seen. But for now, the residents of Meridian are left to mourn a life lost, scrutinize the unfolding legal process, and confront yet another stark reminder of how quickly violence can erupt—and how difficult it is to contain its consequences once it does.