NATCHEZ — Natchez Police think there is a murderer on the loose in town, and they want your help finding her.

Jessie Mae Tolbert, 34, of 25 Pintard St., has been wanted on charges of murder since the night before Thanksgiving.

She is the prime suspect in the stabbing death of 24-year-old Akeem Firley.

NPD Sgt. Craig Godbold said police have heard mixed stories but once believed Tolbert had left town for Texas.

The word on the street now is that she’s back, Godbold said.

“Her daughter is in town. Her family is in town. They don’t have enough money to go to Texas,” Godbold said. “I think she is still close by.”

Tolbert was recently living in the Providence Road area, and Godbold said police are visiting the area daily.

He also said authorities believe Tolbert called her probation officer recently crying and asking for advice. The woman on the phone never identified herself, but officers believed it to be Tolbert. She was advised to turn herself in, Godbold said.

Tolbert was last seen walking into the woods on Providence Road the night of Firley’s death.

The stabbing reportedly occurred in the presence of two other people, who have been cooperating as eye witnesses, Godbold said.

Tolbert allegedly stabbed Firley after she approached a vehicle in which Firley was the front-seat passenger.

Godbold said a clear motive has not been identified, but some reports indicate that Tolbert and Firley had dated at one time.

Police also believe Tolbert was involved in another stabbing incident that same night. Godbold said she allegedly stabbed her current boyfriend in the arm with a fingernail file. The injury sent him to the hospital, Godbold said.

Godbold said police believe Tolbert may have cut her hair very short.

Anyone with information about Tolbert’s whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 601-442-5000. A cash reward is available.