Suspect in 2011 murder arrested again for Ferriday killing

Published 12:08 am Monday, August 26, 2013

NATCHEZ — A man who was indicted for an August 2011 murder in Natchez was arrested this weekend and charged with first-degree murder in connection with a July slaying in Ferriday.

Latravis K. Clay, 24, 64 Dumas Drive, Natchez, was charged with seven counts aggravated assault with a firearm, first-degree murder, armed robbery and criminal conspiracy.

Ferriday Police Chief Richard Madison said Clay is one of the suspects in the shooting death of Eric Johnson.

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Shortly after 1 a.m. July 15, a group of men Clay was allegedly part of opened fire on seven people leaving the AutoZone on E.E. Wallace Boulevard. Johnson was part of the group leaving the business,and was struck in the buttocks. He died of injuries associated with the shooting July 22.

A total of nine shots were fired during the incident.

Clay was indicted in May on a murder charge in connection with the death of 25-year-old Walter Washington.

Washington was shot as he was walking to his car in the parking lot of the Natchez Mall. The alleged shooter, Lee Raymond Smith, 19, reportedly shot Washington from another vehicle. Clay and two others were allegedly in the vehicle with Smith at the time of the shooting.

Three others — Moecke Hawkins, Raymond Fleming Sr., and Benny White — have been arrested in connection with the Ferriday killing.

Madison said police are still searching for Gary Anderson, the final suspect in the shooting.

Madison said anyone with information about Anderson’s whereabouts should contact Investigator Derrick Freeman at 318-757-3606.