Investigation underway after two men arrive at the BMH with gunshot wounds
COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Columbus Police are investigating after two young men showed up at Baptist Memorial Hospital Monday night with gunshot wounds.
Police say they got the 9‑1‑1 call around 9:40, but when officers arrived to Baptist Golden Triangle, both victims refused to cooperate and gave conflicting stories about where the shooting happened.
Investigators believe the gunfire may have come from another vehicle while the victims were driving along Highway 82.
According to the department, an 18-year-old and a 19-year-old suffered single non-life-threatening gunshot wounds and were treated and released from BMH.
Chief Joseph Daughtry says officers had to contact the victims’ parents themselves, and he says the lack of cooperation is part of a dangerous trend of what he calls “street justice.”
“These parents… when we call them, they don’t know if we’re telling them their child’s been shot — or killed. These young people think this is a game. I’m begging them… put the guns down. You’re throwing your lives away,” said Chief Daughtry.
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers or the Columbus Police Department.
Chief Daughtry said he plans to push state lawmakers for tougher penalties for reckless shootings.
