Security guard shot, killed in Clarksdale, MS

CLARKSDALE, MS (WMC) - A 59-year-old security guard was shot and killed in Clarksdale, Mississippi early Tuesday morning. The shooting happened around 1 a.m. at the Clarksdale public utility guard house in the 200 block of Hicks Street.

Police say he was inside the gate when he was shot by someone on the other side.

The guard, who family members say is 59-year-old Finnis Melvin "Butch" Catledge III., died as a result.

Catledge was sitting behind a barbwire fence, in the shadow of the Clarksdale water tower, inside a security hut when someone fired several shots into the building.

"He's been working here a long time," said Linda Martin, the victim's sister. "He never bothered anybody. He was a quiet person, loved his two children and granddaughter. I don't know why this had to happen."

The family got a call at about 3 o'clock Tuesday. They say the news was hard for everyone to understand.

"When they called my other brother to tell them what happened they said about 10-15 shots were fired like an AK-47 and he was just killed instantly," said Martin.

By sunrise, police were canvasing the property, inside and out. They gathered evidence and clues, trying to piece together what happened and who might be responsible.

Inside the gate there was a large surveillance camera; police may be able to determine who fired the shots once they review the footage. The family hopes it leads to an arrest.

"I just hope they find whoever did this," said Martin.

Tuesday, there were two security guards outside the facility. Law enforcement agencies were also patrolling the area.

WMC Action News 5 will continue to follow the story and bring any updates to you on air and online at wmcactionnew5.com.

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