The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating a suspected murder-attempted suicide following a double shooting incident that occurred on Saturday evening.
At approximately 5:00 PM, deputies responded to reports of a shooting at the intersection of Taylor Cutoff Road and Highway 586. Witnesses reported that an eight-year-old child had fled from the involved vehicle, reaching safety without injury. Additionally, a man who had been shot was seen leaving the scene in a vehicle. Witnesses were able to provide authorities with the vehicle’s description and tag number.
Upon arrival, law enforcement, along with first responders and AAA Ambulance Service, discovered the body of a female victim at the scene. The victim was identified as 35-year-old Shanetra Marie Batie of Purvis, Mississippi, and was pronounced dead from an apparent gunshot wound.
Following the incident, deputies traced the suspect’s vehicle, which was found abandoned behind Christian Hill Baptist Church located at 253 Water Valley Road in Foxworth. A search of the surrounding area led to the discovery of the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Christever Batie of Kokomo, Mississippi. He was located in the woods behind the church and taken into custody without incident, though he was suffering from a gunshot wound. Batie was transported to a hospital where he remains in critical condition.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have noted that details may evolve as new information emerges. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is appealing to the public for any additional information related to the case.
