Rylee James Westmoreland dies in fatal Nesbit shooting.
Fatal Nesbit shooting death of Rylee James Westmoreland.
Law enforcement officials in Nesbit, Mississippi, have confirmed that an 18-year-old male, identified as Rylee James Westmoreland, was killed following a confrontation early Sunday morning. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has been officially notified about this incident.
Initial contact between authorities and the scene stemmed from a report received by the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office around the stroke of midnight. This initial call was related to noise concerns prompting officers to investigate a residence on Bankston Road. Upon arrival, deputies encountered a gathering of young individuals.
During the officers’ attempt to disperse the group, a report came in regarding firearms being discharged from an elevated position on the property. This individual was later identified as Rylee James Westmoreland. According to official accounts, Westmoreland reportedly pointed a weapon towards the deputies after being advised to lower it, triggering the officers’ response.
A nearby resident, Steven Leake, confirmed hearing the gunfire. He stated that individuals near his property relayed information consistent with the official narrative, mentioning that a firearm was present at the celebration and discharged before police intervention.
Deputies involved in the incident confirmed that Westmoreland’s actions left them with no other option but to use force for self-defense. Medical examiner Josh Pounders reported that the 18-year-old succumbed to his injuries. Fortunately, no other individuals involved in the incident sustained injuries.
