By John Howell
A man charged for the Dec. 19 murder of his brother also faces two aggravated assault charges for injuries to other bystanders during the melee.
Batesville assistant Police Chief Jimmy McCloud said that Eric Love has been charged for a minor wound suffered by Christopher Blake Simmons, 33, of Water Valley and for shooting Ladarius Ford, 22, Lawrence Brothers Road, Batesville, in the leg. Ford was initially transported to the Med for treatment.
Police received a call about the shooting at 10:51 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18 at Buddy’s Truck Salvage on Mt. Olivet Road near its intersection with Highway 6. Investigation revealed that a number of people were coming and going during a “cooking” and that alcohol was being freely consumed, BPD Detective Captain George Williford said.
Authorities believe that Love discharged “a bunch of shots” from two firearms, McCloud said.
Archie Marquis Love, 44, was transported to the Merit Health Batesville Emergency Room where he was pronounced dead shortly after midnight, December 19, Panola County Coroner Gracie Gullege said.
Eric Love is being held in the Panola County jail under a $2 million bond.