Man charged in holiday death

By Rupert Howell
A Sardis man was placed under $100,000 bond following a preliminary hearing yesterday for Melvin Salter, Jr., 37, charged in the Thanksgiving Day murder of his brother-in-law Brian Kimmons, 36, according to Sardis Police Chief Steven McClarty.
McClarty confirmed that Kimmons’ two children, ages seven and under, were present when their father fell following being shot. Sardis Police Department got the call at 11:22 p.m. and found Kimmons unresponsive, according to McClarty who said Lifeguard Ambulance Service was alerted, came and pronounced Kimmons deceased.
SPD investigator Hunter Applewhite responded and Panola County Coroner Gracie Grant-Gullege was called to the scene.
McClarty said witnesses reported an argument broke out between the deceased and the accused at the deceased’s home over a picture.
Salter left and returned shortly after when another argument broke out, ending with gunfire.
Sardis Municipal Judge Rhea Tannehill held the preliminary hearing Monday at the jail where Salter is currently incarcerated and charged with second degree murder. Panola County jail records show Salter was incarcerated at 2:35 a.m. November 24.
He was arrested without incident following the shooting at a home in Panola County by Panola County Sheriff Department Investigator John Still, according to McClarty.