Tunica County authorities investigate weekend murder

April 14, 2025 – Tunica County authorities say they are investigating a weekend shooting and have a murder suspect in mind.

On Sunday at approximately 11:13 p.m., the Tunica County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call stating an individual had been shot at the intersection of Carol Street and Edwards Avenue in Tunica County.

Sheriff deputies and first responders were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, deputies located a black male suffering from gunshot wounds. The individual was treated on scene by Pafford first responders but succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by Tunica County Coroner Glenn Grant.

The victim has been identified as Makenzie Kaleb Thomas, 18, of Tunica. Thomas was taken by the Panola County Coroner to the Mississippi Crime Lab (Medical Examiner’s Office) for an autopsy.

During the initial investigation, Mario Donyale Lester, Jr., 17, of Tunica County was developed as the suspect. The Sheriff’s Office has since obtained an active warrant for Lester for first degree murder and unlawful discharge of a firearm within a populated area.

Lester is considered to be armed and dangerous. If you make contact with Lester or have any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact 911 immediately, Tunica County Sheriff’s Office at 662-363-1411, or Tunica County CrimeStoppers at 662-910-0400.

This investigation is active and ongoing. Any information leading to an arrest can pay up to $1,000.

Any person who is found that may have knowingly aided, abetted, or assisted in concealing or harboring Lester while at large, shall face criminal charges, authorities said.