One Stabbed, One Shot in Lafayette County

LAFAYETTE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) — WCBI is learning more information after two people were found dead in Lafayette County over the weekend.

Sheriff’s Department Chief Investigator Alan Wilburn says the incident happened at a home on County Road 3011 early Saturday morning.

Deputies found Melissa Smith and Jose Benitez dead inside, after the pair got into an argument.

Their fight started outside of the home, and then turned physical inside.

Wilburn says it appeared Benitez stabbed Smith multiple times.

Smith’s husband, Michael, was asleep and then woke up from the commotion.

Wilburn says that’s when the husband got a high power rifle, shot Benitez, and then called 911.

This case will be presented to the Lafayette County Grand Jury on August 30 to see if any charges will be filed.