Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

NATCHEZ — Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten said a “senseless act of violence” on Friday night in Natchez will forever change two families’ lives.

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call at approximately 7:20 p.m. on Friday reporting a subject had been shot while in the Shell Station in Washington located at 787 U.S. 61 North. A deputy, who was approximately one block away, at about the same time was stopped by a passing motorist who said that people were shooting at each other at the Shell station, Patten said.

“When deputies arrived, one suspect was found sitting by the gas pumps. He was detained, and a semi-automatic firearm was seized,” Patten said. “Deputies observed one victim, who had been fatally shot, lying on the floor inside the store. The victim was later identified as James Keating.”

The incident began when the suspected shooter placed a cup of ice down while inside the store with other customers, the sheriff said.

“The victim entered the store and retrieved a few drinks when he accidentally knocked the cup over. An argument ensued after the shooter implied he had a weapon but never pulled or pointed it at the victim. Keating then left the store and retrieved a handgun from his vehicle,” Patten said. “Once he re-entered the store, Keating immediately confronted the shooter. The argument turned physical when Keating assaulted the shooter. The shooter, in return, shot Keating multiple times.

“This appears to be a senseless act of violence that will forever change two families’ lives,” he said.

Patten said investigators have obtained “a great deal of evidence,” including video, audio, and witness statements.

“Everyone present at the time of the shooting has been cooperative, including the shooter,” he said.

Patten has consulted with Sixth Circuit District Attorney Tim Cotton and has requested the next Grand Jury consider the case to determine the appropriate charges or whether the homicide was justifiable.

Patten said he is not releasing the name of the suspected shooter at this time because he has not been formally charged. The shooter is not in custody, Patten said.