One arrested after fatal shooting
CHARLESTON -- A man is in custody for the Saturday shooting death in Wyatt.
Ancy Wayne Babb, 61, of Wyatt was arrested for shooting and fatally wounding James Robert "Jamie" Blasingain, 29, also of Wyatt at approximately 3:30 p.m. Saturday, according to Mississippi County Sheriff Keith Moore.
Moore said in a Monday press release that his department dispatch received a telephone call of a disturbance on Main Street across the street from the Wheelhouse Bar and Grill in Wyatt.
Deputies Mark Tragesser and Alvin Marcum arrived at the scene of the incident within 10 minutes followed immediately by Moore and other deputies.
It was then discovered that Blasingain had been fatally wounded as the result of a gun shot to the chest. Babb was immediately arrested.
According to witnesses, the incident was the result of an ongoing dispute between Blasingain and Babb. The dispute reportedly took place outside a residence next to the Wheelhouse Bar and Grill and the establishment was not involved.
Babb, who is currently being held at the Mississippi County Detention Center without bond, is charged with first degree murder, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon and first degree assault, according to Prosecuting Attorney Darren Cann.
According to the press release, Moore and his team of deputies demonstrated a quick response in making an immediate arrest, collecting evidence and securing the crime scene as well as collecting statements from witnesses was. "Law enforcement is a team effort," he said.
Moore emphasized that the first 48 hours after a crime such as a homicide are extremely crucial and the he appreciates the patience the press demonstrated while awaiting information about the case.
"The main priority is the investigation of the case and collecting the needed evidence to obtain an arrest of a suspect," Moore said.