OLIVE BRANCH, Miss. — Three people have been arrested and charged with murder after a deadly double shooting in Olive Branch, Mississippi.
Darius Wayne, 18 of Olive Branch; Kalani Tiapula, 30 of Memphis; and Az-Hakim Oliver, 19 of Memphis, face two counts of murder each. Their bonds were set at just under $1 million for each count.
According to police, the two victims — Shavez Aldridge, 17, and Rodney Clark, 20 — were shot during a suspect dispute that turned deadly in the 4600 block of Tacoma Drive Monday evening. They were located in separate house lots and pronounced dead on the scene.
A witness said one of the victims was shot in the face, and the other was shot in the chest.
Police said the shooting was the result of an altercation. They are investigating whether it may have had a gang connection.
“Very senseless. This is two young lives gone and I don’t know what we need to do but we need to reach our young people. But this is sad, a sad time in Olive Branch. We will bring the suspects to justice, I will assure you of that,” Police Chief Don Gammage said.
Police were told three suspects fled the scene in a white passenger vehicle with New York tags. That same vehicle was later located at the Winchester Apartments in Memphis.
WREG has confirmed with Desoto County Schools that Aldridge was a student at Olive Branch High School.
“We are deeply saddened to hear about the loss of one of our students,” the district said in an email. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the students and staff of Olive Branch High School. Additional counselors are on the Olive Branch High School campus today to assist students who need extra support.”
This is an ongoing investigation.