Mississippi Attorney General Cleared Officers in Two Shootings
State investigators determined that the use of lethal force was justified in a pair of separate officer-involved incidents.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Law Enforcement
The Mississippi Attorney General's office has concluded its review of two separate officer-involved shootings that occurred in 2025. In both cases, the office ruled the use of force by law enforcement was justified following investigations by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.
Why it matters
State law requires the Attorney General to review officer-involved shootings to ensure transparency and accountability in police use of force. These findings clear the involved officers of criminal wrongdoing under the provided legal framework.
The Attorney General concluded its review of two incidents under Section 45-1-6 of the Mississippi Code. The investigations were conducted by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation to determine if the use of force met legal requirements.
The players
Mississippi Attorney General's Office
This state office is responsible for reviewing officer-involved shootings under Section 45-1-6 of the Mississippi Code.
Mississippi Bureau of Investigation
This agency serves as the primary investigative body for major criminal cases and officer-involved shootings within the state.
Stone County Sheriff's Office
This local law enforcement agency operates within Stone County and was involved in the Wiggins shooting incident.
Willie Carroll
He was a 51-year-old individual who was killed during an officer-involved shooting in Pearlington.
The details
In the first incident on September 14, 2025, deputies in Pearlington shot 51-year-old Willie Carroll while responding to a 911 call about a woman being held against her will. The second case involved a Stone County Sheriff's deputy who was shot and injured on September 28, 2025, during an attempt to serve a warrant in Wiggins.
Timeline
September 14, 2025: Willie Carroll was killed in a shooting in Pearlington.
September 28, 2025: A Stone County Sheriff's deputy was shot and injured in Wiggins.
Legal Context
These rulings follow the mandatory oversight process established by Section 45-1-6 of the Mississippi Code for officer-involved fatalities and injuries. This legal framework ensures that every case is examined by state-level investigators to determine compliance with use-of-force standards.
These findings clarify the outcomes of recent investigations in Pearlington and Wiggins for local residents. The legal resolution serves to inform the public on the status of these incidents and the state's internal findings regarding officer conduct.
The takeaway
The state's legal review process acts as a definitive check on officer-involved incidents to ensure they remain within the bounds of the law. Residents can monitor future official reports from the Attorney General to understand the outcome of similar state-level investigations.
Further reading
For more information on state investigative protocols, visit Law Enforcement.
