Jackson police are investigating a shooting early Sunday that killed two and injured another two at a graduation party in Downtown Jackson.
Investigators allege that the shooting occurred in a parking lot of a building that had been hired for a private party in honor of a woman who is graduating from Lane College.
Jackson Police Department Capt. Mike Holt said that an argument might have begun elsewhere, which was carried on to the parking lot.
Brian Jontez Banes and Delandis Cortez Clark, both 31-year-olds were declared dead at the hospital, while Dartalin Pharmer,32, and Tashonda Davis, 22, were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Jackson police responded to a call around 3:00 a.m. about a shooting in the parking lot of Wolfe Enterprises.
When the police arrived at the building, they found Banes and Clark with gunshot wounds.
Investigators claim that there are many possible witnesses who were present when the shooting occurred. But, most of them left the area before the arrival of the police.
Any potential witnesses are asked to call the Violent Crimes Unit at 425-8676 or Crime Stoppers at 424-8477 or on the web at www.424TIPS.org. Anonymous tips can be submitted either way.
James E. Wolfe, owner of Wolfe Enterprises, said this is the first shooting or murder that's ever happened on the building's property.
"It's just so nerve-wracking and I still can't believe this has happened," Wolfe said.
He said that the building features security cameras outside but due to the bad storms over the week-end, the cameras were knocked out and, therefore, no footage was recorded.
Downtown Jackson residents are now raising concerns regarding the safety of the community after experiencing two bloody shooting in two years.
Jackson Mayor Jerry Gist said that the city will now keep a close watch on buildings that are rented out for private parties.
Last year February, one person was killed and 19 were injured in a shooting at Karma Ultra Lounge during a Lane College and LeMoyne-Owen College after-game party.
