PIKE COUNTY, Miss. — An off-duty McComb police officer was killed in what investigators believe was a murder-suicide involving a domestic violence incident, WAPT reported.
Deputies responded on Aug. 5 to a residence near Cole Thomas Road and Highway 44 East, according to the report. Upon arrival, they found Sgt. Jason Blake and a second man, Clay Paulk, dead from apparent gunshot wounds. A third individual, Nicki Wilson, sustained a gunshot wound and was transported to a hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.
According to a statement from the sheriff’s office, preliminary findings suggest that Paulk, who had a prior relationship with Wilson, forced entry into the home and used a shotgun to shoot both Blake and Wilson. Authorities believe Paulk then died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound with a handgun before deputies arrived. His vehicle was found nearby.
Blake had served with the McComb Police Department for five years and had a total of 16 years of law enforcement experience, including time with the Pike County Sheriff’s Office.
“He died doing what he loved,” said McComb Police Chief Earnest Perry. “He was well-loved in the community. It is just a sad day, and until we figure out the circumstances, just keep us in your prayers.”
The investigation is ongoing.
