NATCHEZ, Miss. (WJTV) – Adams County deputies are investigating a fatal shooting at a Shell gas station in the Washington area.

The shooting occurred just before 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 25, at a gas station in the 700 block of Highway 61 North.

Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten said a deputy about a block away was stopped by a passing motorist and informed that people were shooting at each other at the gas station.

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When the deputies arrived, the unidentified suspect was found sitting next to the gas pumps and taken into custody. A semi-automatic firearm was seized, Patten said. Deputies say a victim, identified as James Keating, was found dead inside the store.

Patten said the attack appeared to be a “senseless act of violence.” According to the sheriff, the alleged attacker placed a glass of ice on the floor while he was inside the store with other customers. He said Keating entered the store to buy a few drinks and accidentally knocked over the glass.

During the argument, Patten said the suspect implied he had a gun, but never pulled or pointed the gun at the victim. The sheriff said Keating left the store, grabbed a handgun and confronted the suspect inside the store. The two men got into a physical fight and the suspect shot Keating multiple times, according to Patten.

Patten said he consulted with the District Attorney’s Office and asked the next grand jury to consider the case to determine appropriate charges or whether the killing was justified.

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