A deadly shooting at an AT&T store in Gulfport, Mississippi, has left two people dead and resulted in the arrest of a 71-year-old man.
Samuel Jerome Andrews of Harrison County is facing two counts of first-degree murder and one count of shooting a firearm into a group following the incident at Crossroads Mall on Monday, Sept. 7. Authorities say the shooting happened shortly after 11 a.m.
The victims were identified as 31-year-old Shane Basquill of Kiln, an employee at the store, and 78-year-old Mary Anne Oberlies of Gulfport, who was shopping there.
Suspect Allegedly Opened Fire Inside Store
According to investigators, Andrews arrived at the shopping center, got out of his vehicle and fired a shot into the AT&T store before entering the business and allegedly firing additional rounds.
Witness Carl Musgrove said he entered the store shortly after the shooting and encountered Andrews. Musgrove recalled the suspect telling him to leave, followed by a disturbing statement indicating that he intended to continue shooting.
Musgrove described Andrews as appearing calm during the encounter.
Police later arrested Andrews after he allegedly left the scene. He remains in custody without bond while the case moves forward.
Employee Remembered for Trying to Protect Others
Witnesses also described Basquill’s actions during the shooting, saying the employee appeared to be trying to protect people inside the store.
Courtney Ladner, who spoke about the incident, said someone called Basquill’s name when Andrews arrived. Basquill reportedly ran toward the front entrance in an apparent attempt to secure the door, but witnesses said the gunman began firing before he could do so.
The incident prompted a major police response at the shopping center, with authorities establishing a perimeter around the store as investigators processed the scene.
Motive Remains Unknown
Authorities have not publicly identified a motive for the shooting. Local reports also indicate that Andrews had no known prior criminal history.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone who may have information about the shooting to contact the Gulfport Police Department or Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers.
Andrews’ case is pending, and the allegations against him have not been proven in court.
