Clinton Passage and Fire Linked to Jackson Murder

Clinton police said Friday that a series of crimes are believed to be linked to a Jackson homicide. The Clinton Police Department responded Thursday morning to a report of a drive-by shooting in which shots were fired into a home in the 700 block of Cherry Park Boulevard. Thursday evening, Clinton firefighters responded to a fire at the same home. “A witness reported seeing two black men dumping an accelerant around the perimeter of the house before attempting to set it on fire,” said Marlee Price, spokeswoman for the Clinton Fire Department. the city of Clinton, said in a statement. No one was injured in either incident and firefighters said damage to the home was minimal. Clinton police determined Thursday's shooting is connected to a shooting and homicide reported Wednesday in Jackson that left 39-year-old Juan Taylor dead. The Jackson Police Department is investigating the fatal shooting, which took place at the intersection of Boling Street and Medgar Evers Boulevard. One suspect was identified by JPD as Jeremiah Hampton, who remains at large. The Clinton and Jackson police departments are working together to investigate this series of crimes, Price said. Patrols have been reinforced in the Cherry Park Boulevard area. “CPD is working vigilantly to prevent further retaliation from spreading to the City of Clinton,” Price said in the release. Anyone with information that could help police is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 601-355-TIPS.