Southaven man sentenced for targeted ambush and armed robbery
July 17, 2025 – A Southaven man Thursday pleaded guilty to attempted murder and armed robbery, charges that stemmed from a violent string of crimes that began in July 2024 and culminated in an attempted execution-style shooting just months later.
In July 2024, Detrich Neal, age 21 of Southaven, ran into the victim at a gas station before robbing him at gunpoint at the Dorchester Apartments, stealing the victim’s firearm. The victim reported the robbery to Southaven police, and warrants were issued for Neal’s arrest, where he remained at large for several months.
Then, in October 2024, Neal spotted the same victim driving through a gas station after meeting up with his friends and followed him to the Dorchester Apartments. As the victim backed into a parking space, Neal pulled in front of the vehicle, jumped out, and fired three rounds directly into the victim’s windshield. The victim was struck twice in the face but survived. The victim, who had driven himself to Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto, was found in stable condition.
A strong investigative effort by Southaven police after the shooting revealed that Neal was hiding in his girlfriend’s apartment. During surveillance, officers spotted Neal exiting the apartment. Neal fled on foot into a wooded area but was apprehended within minutes by officers near Tchulahoma and Heather Ridge.
“It is obvious this apartment complex has become a magnet for criminal activity,” said District Attorney Matthew Barton. “But let me be clear: violent crime will not be tolerated where families sleep at night. My office will be actively exploring every option to stop criminal activity in apartment complexes like this one.”
Neal was sentenced to 30 years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections for the charge of attempted murder. He also received five years for armed robbery, to run concurrently, followed by 20 years of post-release supervision. Because of his prior record, Neal will be classified as a habitual offender.
“Thanks to the swift work of Southaven Police and the determination of our prosecutors, we’ve taken a violent criminal off the streets,” Barton continued. “I hope this thug is yet another example of why you should not commit crime in DeSoto County.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Michael Steele. The investigation was led by the Southaven Police Department.
