FORREST COUNTY, Miss. — A quiet afternoon in the rural Dixie community of south Forrest County, Mississippi, turned into a scene of tragedy on Wednesday, when a shooting left one man dead and another hospitalized. Authorities have now identified the deceased victim as 59-year-old Thomas Roseberry, a local resident whose life was cut short by the senseless act of violence.
The Forrest County Sheriff’s Office responded to the incident after receiving a call regarding a shooting. Deputies quickly arrived at the scene, where they found two individuals involved in the incident. While one of the individuals was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment, Thomas Roseberry was pronounced dead at the scene.
Forrest County Coroner Lisa Klem confirmed Roseberry’s identity later that evening. His body has since been sent to the Mississippi State Crime Lab in Pearl for a full autopsy, as investigators work to piece together what led to the fatal encounter.
Authorities have remained tight-lipped about the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether a suspect has been identified or what may have triggered the incident. As of Thursday morning, no arrests have been made, and the case remains under active investigation.
“We are committed to thoroughly investigating this case,” said a spokesperson from the Forrest County Sheriff’s Office. “Our detectives are following every lead and working to determine the facts and those responsible for Mr. Roseberry’s death.”
The tragedy has cast a pall over the small Dixie community, where residents are grappling with the shock and sorrow of losing a neighbor and friend. Thomas Roseberry, known to many as a quiet, hardworking man, was said to be a familiar face in the area. Those who knew him described him as kind-hearted and humble, someone who kept to himself but was always willing to lend a hand when needed.
“He didn’t deserve this,” said one long-time resident. “He was a good man, and it breaks my heart that something like this happened in our community.”
Local officials and law enforcement are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Even the smallest detail could help investigators find answers and deliver justice for Thomas Roseberry and his family.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing concern over gun violence in Mississippi’s more rural areas. Though the Dixie community is often considered peaceful, Wednesday’s events serve as a sobering reminder that violence can erupt anywhere, at any time.
Victim: Thomas Roseberry, 59, of Forrest County, Mississippi
Location: Dixie community, south Forrest County
Date of Incident: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Status: One injured; Thomas Roseberry deceased at the scene
Investigation: Ongoing; No arrests at this time
Body Sent To: Mississippi State Crime Lab for autopsy
Anyone with information regarding the shooting is urged to contact the Forrest County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers. Tips can be submitted anonymously and may prove critical in bringing those responsible to justice.
