NATCHEZ — The man suspected in the Jan. 2 fatal shooting on Beaumont Street that may have originated in an argument over a cigarette is still on the loose, and investigators said Monday they need the public’s help.

Natchez Police Detective Jerry Ford said the police have followed up on all the leads they have in an effort to bring McKinley Douglas Brady — also known as “Doom”— in for questioning about the shooting death of Kendrick Tolbert, 28, but have not been able to locate him.

The police have searched in Adams and Jefferson counties for the suspect.

Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect, and Ford said the possibility of increasing the award is being considered. Crime Stoppers can be reached at 601-442-5000.

But just as the police are asking for the public’s help, Ford said those who might be helping Brady hide could face trouble with the law.

“Anybody who is hiding a fugitive faces jail for obstruction of justice,” he said.

Brady is a black male, approximately 5-feet-8-inches and weighing approximately 160 pounds.

Brady and Tolbert were reportedly arguing over a cigarette at 62 Beaumont St. at approximately 10 a.m. Thursday when Tolbert left the residence, only to be followed by Brady, who allegedly shot him in the back, with the bullet entering his right shoulder and exiting through his chest.

Witnesses said Tolbert was holding a 3-year-old child at the time. The child was not injured.

Brady was the victim of an October 2012 shooting at the intersection of Beaumont and Bishop streets, and was charged with shooting a man in October 2007 in a separate incident.

He has also been arrested several times on drug charges and for assault and domestic violence.