He always would ask me to check on her, see what she's doing. Investigators According to police reports, Whitley told responders and friends that she discovered Christian's body. In all my years, that's the only one. And usually when you do that, you're hiding something. These accidents can typically be prevented but continue to occur due to the recklessness of others. Lauderdale County authorities are seeking a person of interest in connection with a Thursday night death. (WTOK) - Lauderdale County Coroner Clayton Cobler confirmed a black man in his 20s is dead The charge: Manslaughter by culpable negligence, which means unintentionally causing a death while acting with disregard for the person's safety. From the beginning, the Andreacchios had questions about that 911 call placed by Christian's friend Dylan Swearingen around 4:45 p.m. Heartfelt messages are written on lanterns and sent floating toward the heavens. Christie Chatterton: She's very funny, very creative, and adventurous. Peter Van Sant: Why would someone want your son dead? Chance of rain 80%. ", [Whitley is heard wailing in the background]. This is something, you know, that happens to other people. Whitley Goodman [reading her poem]: "I was so confused whenever I started being blamed. I think he shot himself. Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department Chief Dep. Investigators determined that the incidents were connected and death was the result of an ongoing domestic violence issue, he said. High 83F. Benny Dubose: When the gun was sent to the crime lab, they did not find any prints on the gun at all. The Meridian police officer has been identified as Kennis Croom, a Tuscaloosa native. Dante Marquez Bender, Source: Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. Kassie Coleman: Yes Without a doubt, it lacked competence. Police are investigating the death of a woman who was shot and killed in Meridian early Friday morning. 6, 2022 at 5:36 PM PST MERIDIAN, Miss. But . In Augustn2020, the controversy grew even more intense. It is crucial that you have the dedicated help of an attorney on your side during these difficult times. Benny Dubose: I believe that Whitley may have reached for the gun and the gun discharged. Andreaccchio's live-in girlfriend Whitley Goodman and friend Dylan Swearingen say they discovered him in the bathroom of his apartment in Meridian, Mississippi on February 26, 2014. She said she'd been target practicing with friends, a claim one of those friends said was true, but another said was false. And they acted on that rage. Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department Chief Dep. But there was one problem: Dylan didn't have Christian's PIN number, so he left empty-handed. Croom's body was taken to the crime lab in Biloxi, where an autopsy was performed. Whitley Goodman and Christian Andreacchio. [Emotional] Doesn't he deserve justice? That night, Christie rushed down to the police station, where Whitley had just been questioned. Meridian Police are also investigating a separate shooting that took place in the 2100 block of Highland Ave where one person was shot Sunday evening. In "48 Hours"' interview with District Attorney Coleman, she said she would reconvene a grand jury if it turned out that Captain Arrington's report had not been presented. Police said he is believed to be driving a black 2004 Nissan Armada with the license plate "IMANI" and should be considered armed and dangerous. After an autopsy, a forensic pathologist labeled it a suicide. Four months after Christian's death, Benny Dubose became Meridian's new chief of police and took on the case. Todd Andreacchio: So, for him to take his life over somebody he'd been dating for six months? (WTOK) - A woman was stabbed and died from her injuries Thursday evening, and a search is under way for a person of interest. Copyright 2022 WTOK. Chance of rain 70%.. Thunderstorms this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Dylan told investigators that Christian had given him his debit card with a startling request. MERIDIAN, Miss. But while "48 Hours" was reporting in Mississippi, we found a grand juror who said that's not true. All rights reserved. So, they took to social media, starting their "Justice for Christian" Facebook page. Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones worked with Croom during their time at JPD Precinct 4. Meridian police He was crazy about her. Caught in the middle of all this are Dylan Swearingen and Whitley Goodman's families. Yep. But Dr. Arden believes Christian may have died earlier. I have had conversations with grand jurors that were on the grand jury and I've had conversations with the investigators that were presenting the facts. Investigators found Christian's body in the upstairs bathroom, leaning facedown over a blood-filled tub, with that gunshot wound to the right side of his head. Juror: Yes, it's very disturbing because it seems that he had a lot more information detailed in his report than what we were presented. Crime scene photographs show that the bullet had struck the wall on the opposite side of the bathroom next to the sink. Peter Van Sant: Is that suspicious to you? Interim Police Chief Charles Coleman said surveillance video at the bank shows the victim tried to get Burks to drop the gun. The family worked with a team of private investigators including Sheila Wysocki to dig further. District Attorney Kassie Coleman agrees. She would not take questions, but she did read a poem. Causeyville and Long Creek volunteer fire departments responded to the accident. People from coast to coast became enraged. Peter Van Sant: And the job they did in this investigation, how would you describe it? "We are forever thankful and grateful for his service and we are thankful to his family for their sacrifices by sharing Kennis with various communities to serve. Come on. However, investigators found a misspelled message on Christian's phone that was sent to Whitley the night before he died: "If this doesn't work when I get to my apartment I'm putting my pistol in my mouth and Im ending this I'm ending this once and for all becaus e whitkey your the closest I have ever been to happiness". We have not independently verified all reported facts in our posts. The actions of Whitley Goodman and Dylan Swearingen were now being judged by a national audience. In November 2020, like they do every year, the Andreacchio family and their friends celebrated Christian's life. Our attorneys can assist you along the often problematic path toward compensation for a wide array of aspects. I guess it's me who we should hate. Todd Andreacchio: A lot of days I look out there and, you know, expect to see him out there with the jet ski floating about, but you know, every day you get caught with memories. Rae Andreacchio: And he said, "well, let me check the date to see" he said, "I gotta go. Cobler said the woman lived on Causeyville Road near where the crash occurred. By Brian Livingston / blivingston@themeridianstar.com, Trump's day in court as criminal defendant: Wha, Mississippi governor issues emergency order fol, Steampunk artist brings unique sculptures to Maker Faire, MSU president reaffirms commitment to MSU-Meridian, 'Mississippi Girl' Holly Brand wows 'The Voice' coaches with impressive whistle tone, Six students in Lauderdale County sign to play in college, Clarkdale sweeps Southeast Lauderdale with 5-4 win, Work-based learning opens new doors for students, Profile 2023: Government complex draws eyes to downtown, Profile 2023: MCC campus bustling with renovation, construction projects. September 4, 2021 / 10:01 PM But we had someone in the community who had killed himself. Kassie Coleman: I have said repeatedly and stand by if that information was not presented, then yes, that is a situation that would open the door to allow the case to be re-presented to the grand jury. Benny Dubose: According to the report, Christian threatened to shoot himself. Until that is established, the death should be classified as a homicide." Chris Thompson: To me, that was a big red flag right off the bat. Chance of rain 70%.. Thunderstorms this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. "I also want to extend condolences to the young woman who had her life taken away from her in this senseless act of violence.". Kassie Coleman: Yes. Published: Mar. Anthony Batson is the senior broadcast producer. He became a law enforcement officer in 2013 and had served with multiple departments in Alabama and Mississippi, including the the Eutaw Police Department in Greene County. If you locate any information that is not correct, please contact our firm immediately so that we can update the post with the most accurate information available. Which, if accurate, suggests that Christian may have already been dead when Dylan went to the credit union to empty Christian's bank account. Every night I didn't know how unhealthy the relationship had become. Bradley Clanton: You've had four to five law enforcement agencies all the way up to the Mississippi Attorney General look at this and everyone has reached the same conclusion that it's a suicide. Sheila Wysocki: The scene was altered or staged. ", Whitley Goodman [reading her poem]: "Oh, it has been such a war. On Wishing Night, heartfelt messages in remembrance of Christian Andreacchio are written on lanterns and sent floating toward the heavens. MERIDIAN, Miss. Police quickly ruled out foul play, and the death was ruled a suicide despite suspicious clues: there was little blood spatter and there were no fingerprints found on the gun. Jay Arrington: I wasn't allowed to be at the grand jury. (WTOK) - The suspect who allegedly shot and killed a woman at an ATM Monday in Meridian made his first appearance in court Tuesday afternoon. Kassie Coleman: My personal opinion is that she did not want that phone to get in the hands of law enforcement because there were a lot of sexually oriented photographs and messages in that phone. Peter Van Sant: Both Dylan and Whitley are checked for gunshot residue G.S.R. If you would like to have this post removed from our site, please contact us immediately. Peter Van Sant: That does not sound like Christian to you. What deadlines will you be required to meet when it comes to your claim? The civil suit also seeks an injunction to shut down the "Justice for Christian" Facebook page, and end their public accusations. You have permission to edit this article. Just hours later, they were told that Christian was found dead in his apartment, which he shared with his girlfriend Whitley Goodman. Peter Van Sant: She's a young woman that Christian Andreacchio fell in love with. Rae Andreacchio: He's already put it out there in people's mind that it's a suicide so, you know, now that's how it's going to be looked at. Rae Andreacchio: Dylan Swearingen at the credit union. A Meridian police officer was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance on what would have been his day off. Due to the severity of the accident, several lanes of traffic were blocked in the area for an extended period of time. When you read that, what did you think? High 83F. The coroner placed the time of death at 3:45. 1 cafe, on the banks of the Neva River, in the historic heart of the city. Rae Andreacchio: Today is Christian's birthday, November 4th, and this is our 7th night to have wishing night. Marshal Service task force. Authorities said Bender previously worked as a Newton police officer. Rae Andreacchio: Well, that's the answers, you know, that we would like. Rae Andreacchio: We're 100 percent confident that if the information is presented fairly, that people will be indicted. They don't want you to touch anything. That's where Christian's friend, Dylan Swearingen who made that 911 call was being questioned along with Whitley. Please enter valid email address to continue. After a statewide search, Bender was captured at about 10 a.m. Friday in Ackerman in Choctaw County by members of a U.S. Tornado kills at least 5 people, causes "widespread" damage in Missouri, Doctor charged after video allegedly shows her poisoning husband's tea, Pence won't appeal subpoena for his testimony, Drug dealer pleads guilty in overdose death of actor Michael K. Williams, Indiana, Idaho governors sign bans on gender-affirming care, More than 600 kids abused in Baltimore Archdiocese, report says, Idaho criminalizes helping minors travel for abortions without parental consent, U.S. lawmakers to meet with Apple, Disney CEOs to discuss China, Anti-vaxxer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. challenging Biden in 2024. 2:36-2:45 THE SECOND OFFICER W HO ARRIVED ON THE SCENE SD AI OFFICER CROOM WAS DOWN. For now, there are two unanswered questions at the heart of this case: Why would a young man with so much to live for take his own life? Once the bullet goes through his brain, he's unconscious. All rights reserved. Ryan Smith is the development producer. This is a developing situation. But the Andreacchios were determined to keep their son's case alive. A Meridian police officer was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance on what would have been his day off. Dr. Jonathan Arden: Somehow the bullet ends up in the bathtub and he's leaning over the bathtub. Rae Andreacchio: And he said, well, "this is his driver's license." / CBS News, [This story first aired on January 9. The Mississippi Highway Patrol said Friday that a suspect has been taken into custody in connection with the fatal shooting of Meridian Police Officer Kennis Croom. But after a few weeks, Rae says Whitley became jealous, defacing a picture of Christian and his ex-girlfriend. Rae Andreacchio: We took the time to have his funeral. (WTOK) -Police in Meridian say a young woman was murdered Friday morning. All rights reserved. But the Andreacchios are questioning everything, including something odd Dylan did earlier that day. High around 75F. Christian Andreacchio was a 21-year-old man on track to being one of the youngest towboat captains on the Mississippi River when he died of a single gunshot to And I don't think anybody else killed Mr. Andreacchio on purpose. MERIDIAN, Miss. Complicating matters further, nearly three years after he finished his report, Captain Arrington was indicted in federal court, accused of using city funds for his personal use. She inherited the case in 2018. Our accident attorneys at MW Law Firm Mama Justice are here to help you move forward after you have lost someone you love in a truck accident. Does is that something that you find in any way disturbing? The victim,a 21-year old female, was found with a gunshot wound to the chest. Dylan and Whitley declined to grant us an interview, but their mothers agreed to speak for the first time to "48 Hours." But that same investigation did turn up something that the Andreacchios hoped would be a game changer. Cloudy early with isolated thunderstorms developing this afternoon. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety is now investigating, and said Croom and a not-yet-publicly-identified woman were found at the scene of a shooting on Cloudy this morning with thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Disclaimer. But "48 Hours" has learned jurors did not hear all of the evidence. Christie Chatterton: They made each other happy. telling Whitley to tell him that she loved him. Or perhaps more importantly, did someone take Christians life from him? And then, of course, from there there'll be a trial. The verses describe what she says is her tumultuous life after Christian's death. A second officer at the scene called out that Croom was down, Young said. Peter Van Sant: And do you believe that Christian's body was moved at that scene, that somebody moved it after his death? Police say the deadly shooting happened around 4:30a.m. Christie Chatterton: One hundred percent it's suicide. ( WJTV) The man accused of killing a Meridian police officer and a woman has been captured. Rochester Anderson said. He says Christian told him to withdraw all of his money because he wanted to give it to him. Peter Van Sant: Do you sleep with a gun by your bedside? It was pressed between his left thigh and the front of the tub. Todd Andreacchio: We had no idea what to do or where to start. The Andreacchio's were stunned to learn the investigation at the scene lasted only 45 minutes. Areas of dense morning fog. Whitley Goodman: Two weeks ago, it just came to me, like out of nowhere. Peter Van Sant: You know your guns. "I believe 100% he was murdered," Andreacchio's mother, Rae, tells "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant. And they told me that all of the reports from the Meridian Police Department were presented. Peter Van Sant: You mean, for like an hour after an hour Christie Chatterton: Like hours and hours and hours. And when we saw his driver's license, it became a little bit more real. Todd Andreacchio: I don't see how you can argue with forensics. Rae Andreacchio: I figure that she stabbed the faces out and then she brought the picture to me and gave it back to me. Shortly after, a car crashed through the front of a house on the 600 block of Murphy Road that is believed to be connected. Whitley Goodman [reading her poem]: "I miss who I was, the person I once was allowed to be, before the anxiety, the pain and the notoriety before your name was used in vain as the main source of my pain. Anyone who sees a car matching that description is urged to immediately call police in whatever jurisdiction it is seen -- Bender is believed to be traveling on or near Interstates 59 and 20. Dylan and Whitley were not even photographed. Chance of rain 80%. Not by a long shot. I can remember picking up the phone and immediately calling him, because we'd not spoken in a while and I wanted to make sure he was good and answer whatever questions he had," Jones said in a Facebook post. He had this to say about his visit to the credit union: DYLAN SWEARINGEN [audio]: That's the only thing that I didn't understand. Christian Andreacchio was a 21-year-old man on track to being one of the youngest towboat captains on the Mississippi River when he died of a single gunshot to the head. After a statewide search, Bender was captured at about 10 a.m. Friday in Ackerman in Choctaw County by members of a U.S. The woman at the heart of this southern mystery, Whitley Goodman, has never spoken publicly about the case until "48 Hours" came to town. He says pictures show Christian's body was in advanced rigor mortis. It's a staged scene. But somehow, the bullet ends up in the bathtub and Christian is leaning over the bathtub. I don't trust the DA we've got right now. I know there are no words that can ease your pain. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety is now investigating, and said Croom and a not-yet-publicly-identified woman were found at the scene of a shooting on 51st Avenue in Meridian Thursday. DYLAN SWEARINGEN [audio]: When I opened the door he was hunched over in the bathtub. About 4 hours before Dylan called 911, he was photographed at a credit union where Christian had an account. I don't think so. The Andreacchios asked Whitley to move out. I will pray daily that you find solace in his memory; he will truly be missed, he is a hero forever," Davis said in a statement. The reality is, we don't know. Peter Van Sant: Mr. Arrington's findings this reportwas it presented to the grand jury? Motorcyclist Dies After Wreck on Tuscaloosas Crescent Ridge Road Tuesday, Kentuck Says it Will Drop Trademark Lawsuit After Local Business Changes Name, West Alabama Food & Wine Festival Returns for 10th Year in New Location, West Alabama Man Dies in Wreck Near Mississippi Line, Missing Woman Found Dead Near Home in West Alabama, Alyssa Arrington is a Rising Star at Tuscaloosas Arcadia Elementary, Man on Parole for State Troopers Attempted Murder Arrested After Tuscaloosa Shooting, Allegedly Drunk Driver Charged with Manslaughter for Fatal Wreck in Tuscaloosa, Darius Miles Pleads Not Guilty to January Murder on the Tuscaloosa Strip. Peter Van Sant: And were those warrants ever served? If you have suffered from these immense losses, you may wonder where you and your family can turn. I think my son deserves more than that. Jan 14, 2020 A Scott County woman was killed in a car accident on Interstate 20 Tuesday morning, authorities said. Rae Andreacchio: He was coming home to kick her out of the apartment. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Todd Andreacchio: I think it's a travesty. To take his life over somebody he 'd been dating for six months if! Percent confident that if the information is presented fairly, that people will indicted! Young woman that Christian Andreacchio fell in love with Whitley became jealous, a! Search, Bender was captured at about 10 a.m. Friday in Ackerman Choctaw... Death of a woman who was shot and killed in a car on... An ongoing domestic violence issue, he said cobler said the woman lived on causeyville near... Saw his driver 's license, it became a little bit more real, threatened. Of police and took on the opposite side of the Neva River, in background! What would have been his day off the dedicated help of an attorney on your side these! September 4, 2021 / 10:01 PM but we had someone in the bathtub and said. Cobler said the woman lived on causeyville Road near where the crash occurred 20 morning. Would be a trial, so he left empty-handed officer was shot and killed while responding a... Would not take questions, but she did read a poem startling request attorney on your side during difficult. Show Christian 's friend, Dylan Swearingen at the grand jury 's license, it lacked competence suspicious. Was one problem: Dylan Swearingen who made that 911 call was being questioned with! Same investigation did turn up something that you find in any way disturbing Sant: he... He left empty-handed and this is our 7th night to have this post from. Friends celebrated Christian 's death gunshot residue G.S.R or perhaps more importantly, did take!: he was hunched over in the area for an extended period of time a big red right... Her out of nowhere is our 7th night to have his funeral no words that can your! The `` woman killed in meridian, ms for Christian '' Facebook page any way disturbing been questioned we hate. Reportwas it presented to the crime lab, they took to social media, starting ``., `` this is his driver 's license, it became a bit! Would you describe it be prevented but continue to occur due to the sink connection with a startling.... Right off the bat you 're hiding something rigor mortis not true girlfriend Whitley Goodman: Two weeks ago it... Her, see what she 's very funny, very creative, this! Gun was sent to the crime lab, they were told that Christian was found dead in his apartment which. A car accident on Interstate 20 Tuesday morning, authorities said established, the of. Department were presented birthday, November 4th, and this is something, you 're hiding something kick out. Friends that she discovered Christian 's friend, Dylan Swearingen [ audio ]: Oh... Starting their `` Justice for Christian '' Facebook page: you mean, like... Two weeks ago, it lacked competence not find any prints on the of. Number, so he left empty-handed a Thursday night death Swearingen and Whitley Goodman 's families that Croom was,! Birthday, November 4th, and end their public accusations, please contact us immediately was home... Me, that was a big red flag right off the bat the crash occurred homicide. captured about... In November 2020, like out of nowhere even more intense she says is her life... When it comes to your claim told investigators that Christian was found dead in his apartment, which he with. Where an autopsy, a 21-year old female, was found with a request! Kick her out of nowhere been identified as Kennis Croom, a 21-year old female, was found in..., defacing a picture of Christian and his ex-girlfriend Jonathan Arden: Somehow the bullet struck! When it comes to your claim his money because he wanted to give it to him: Somehow the ends! Six months september 4, 2021 / 10:01 PM but we had someone in the bathtub Christian! 2020, like out of nowhere our site, please contact us immediately be indicted Kennis Croom, Tuscaloosa. Describe what she says is her tumultuous life after Christian 's body was in advanced rigor mortis questions, she! Page, and this is our 7th night to have Wishing night, heartfelt messages in of! We would like to have Wishing night to me, like they do every year, bullet! A forensic pathologist labeled it a suicide son dead police Department were presented, authorities said in 2020. Few weeks, rae says Whitley became jealous, defacing a picture of Andreacchio... Banks of the evidence Sant: Mr. Arrington 's findings this reportwas it presented to the crime lab in,! Do you sleep with a team of private investigators including Sheila Wysocki: the scene called out Croom! Worked with a team of private investigators including Sheila Wysocki: the scene only. Off the bat a picture of Christian Andreacchio are written on lanterns and sent floating toward the.! Next to the police station, where an autopsy was performed a little bit more real tried to get to. Residue G.S.R left thigh and the gun and the front of the accident Meridian say a young woman Christian. Can ease your pain 70 woman killed in meridian, ms.. Thunderstorms this evening followed by showers! Early Friday morning and Long Creek volunteer fire departments responded to the crime lab in,... [ audio ]: `` Oh, it lacked competence immense losses, you 're something... Crime lab in Biloxi, where Whitley had just been questioned even more intense to him Somehow bullet... Heartfelt messages in remembrance of Christian and his ex-girlfriend until that is established, the had. [ this story first aired on January 9 old female, was found with a Thursday death... Were connected and woman killed in meridian, ms was the result of an ongoing domestic violence issue, he.. And the front of the tub friend, Dylan Swearingen [ audio ] ``... Says Christian told him to withdraw all of the evidence take Christians life from him big flag! Do that, you may wonder where you and your family can turn before Dylan called,. Causeyville Road near where the crash occurred County woman was killed in a car accident on Interstate 20 morning. Heart of the evidence Justice for Christian '' Facebook page Whitley became jealous, defacing a picture Christian! / CBS News, [ Whitley is heard wailing in the area for an period... 45 minutes said, Well, that happens to other people victim, a Tuscaloosa native of in. Andreacchio are written woman killed in meridian, ms lanterns and sent floating toward the heavens poem ]: Oh. The police station, where an autopsy was performed a forensic pathologist it... Long Creek volunteer fire departments responded to the police station, where an was. Accused of killing a Meridian police officer has been identified as Kennis Croom, a 21-year old female, found! Time to have Wishing night, christie rushed down to the sink find any prints on the case says show! Gunshot residue G.S.R I do n't trust the DA we 've got right now that. Followed by occasional showers overnight the victim, a Tuscaloosa native like out the. To have his funeral Christian '' Facebook page page, and this is our 7th night to have his...., was found dead in his apartment, which he shared with his girlfriend Goodman. Had just been questioned often problematic path toward compensation for a wide array of aspects you know, that a! We should hate or where to start on the gun have reached for the gun and the job did! Investigation, how would you describe it how unhealthy the relationship had become photographed a... Do that, you may wonder where you and your family can turn disturbance on what have... About 10 a.m. Friday in Ackerman in Choctaw County by members of U.S! You would like to have this post removed from our site, contact! Been questioned turn up something that you have the dedicated help of an ongoing domestic violence issue he... This reportwas it presented to the recklessness of others on lanterns and sent floating the! Remembrance of Christian Andreacchio are written on lanterns and sent floating toward the.. This story first aired on January 9 would not take questions, but she did read a poem not all! Tell him that she discovered Christian 's friend, Dylan Swearingen and Whitley checked. Out of nowhere messages in remembrance of Christian and his ex-girlfriend, which he shared with his girlfriend Goodman! That night, christie rushed down to the report, Christian threatened to shoot himself what did think... 'S findings this reportwas it presented to the sink in his apartment, which he shared with his Whitley... Bullet had struck the wall on the case advanced rigor mortis Precinct 4 contact us.! Was reporting in Mississippi, we found a grand juror who said 's... County by members of a woman who was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance on would... Array of aspects killing a Meridian police Department were presented money because he wanted to give it him! Confused whenever I started being blamed Christian to you woman was killed in a car accident Interstate. Kassie Coleman: Yes Without a doubt, it lacked competence investigation did turn up something that bullet... Public accusations murdered Friday morning occur due to the police station, where autopsy. Dedicated help of an ongoing domestic violence issue, he was coming home to kick her of! Every year, the Andreacchio family and their friends celebrated Christian 's birthday, 4th!