OXFORD, Miss. – A Tunica County man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for illegally possessing ammunition connected to the 2023 shooting death of Davao Thomas.
U.S. District Court Judge Michael P. Mills sentenced Korea McKay, 44, to the statutory maximum penalty on charges of being a felon in possession of ammunition. The sentence will run consecutively to a separate 48-month sentence McKay is already serving from a DeSoto County case in 2020.
Background of the Case
According to court evidence, McKay shot and killed Thomas on Feb. 18, 2023, after the victim told him to slow down in the Kirby Estates apartment complex. Investigators recovered two shell casings at the scene.
McKay fled in his truck, which was later discovered hidden behind a trailer in Dundee, Mississippi. He was first arrested on state murder charges before being indicted federally in May 2023 for ammunition possession stemming from the homicide.
At the time of the crime, McKay had multiple felony convictions, including assault of a police officer and a federal drug conviction. Court records also identified him as a violent, high-ranking member of the Vice Lords gang.
Judge Mills called McKay’s case “the most outrageous one” he has seen in 25 years, citing the brazen daylight killing.
Statements from Authorities
U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner said removing McKay from the community ensures greater safety for residents.
“The number one priority of this office is to keep the citizens of this district safe, and removing a violent, repeat offender like Korea McKay from civilized society will go a long way toward accomplishing that goal,” Joyner said.
ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson emphasized that the federal sentence sends a clear message to convicted felons.
“The sentence imposed today sends a message to convicted felons who are prohibited from possessing ammunition and/or firearms that we will continue to work to keep our neighborhoods safe as the top priority for ATF.”
Tunica County Sheriff Calvin “KC” Hamp thanked federal and state partners for their work in bringing McKay to justice, highlighting the importance of collaboration in reducing violent crime.
Case Investigation
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Tunica County Sheriff’s Department, and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel Stringfellow and Julie Addison.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime through community partnerships and strategic enforcement.
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates and high school football play-by-play on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
