A $1 million bond has been set for alleged murder suspect Gereal Scott Galloway, 21, of 309 Mimosa Ave., in connection with the Thursday evening shooting death of 31-year-old Marrio Terell Applewhite.
Galloway, who is charged with first-degree murder, had his initial appearance in court on Tuesday before Judge Kuykendall Murry.
One other suspect, Lexus James, 29, whose last known address is listed on Torino Drive, is still at large, but according to Indianola Police Chief Edrick Hall, the U.S. Marshals have been called in and an arrest is imminent.
James will reportedly also be charged with first-degree murder in connection with the case.
Details are still sketchy and no motive has been released with regard to the fatal shooting. Hall said Galloway has requested an attorney and a public defender has been assigned to him and he’s not talking.
Apparently, shortly before 7 p.m., on Thursday Applewhite was traveling north on the south end of Bates Street in a 2005 Saturn Vue when someone opened fire on him in his vehicle.
Hall said Applewhite somehow managed to get out of the car, but the vehicle continued to travel for another 15 to 20 feet before hitting a utility pole on the west side of the street and coming to a stop.
Applewhite was then transported to the South Sunflower County Hospital by ambulance and later pronounced deceased.
It is unclear whether or not the suspects continued to fire at Applewhite once he exited the vehicle; however, several bullet casings were reportedly found at the scene.
Witnesses also purportedly insist that James and Galloway returned to the location during the crime scene investigation. Galloway was picked up early Friday morning, arrested and charged.
In addition to the U.S. Marshals, Hall said Sheriff James Haywood and his deputies have been extremely helpful in the investigation and apprehension of the suspects. Hall said there is a possibility of other charges and other people could also be charged with conspiracy and being an accessory after the fact for aiding and abetting the fugitives.
He added that at least three houses were shot into during the early morning hours of Friday and the shootings are believed to be in retaliation of Thursday night’s homicide.
