Starkville, MS – The Starkville community is reeling after a tragic and violent incident unfolded on the morning of Thursday, February 22, 2025, outside the Quality Inn located at 403 MS-12. The shooting resulted in the deaths of two men, 25-year-old Veshawn Williams of Columbus and 27-year-old Robert Mayfield of Memphis. Both victims succumbed to their injuries after being transported to OCH Regional Medical Center, despite the efforts of emergency responders.

Authorities from the Starkville Police Department (SPD) have since provided critical details surrounding the incident, confirming that the events leading up to the fatal shooting involved three individuals: a woman, her boyfriend—identified as Veshawn Williams—and her cousin, Robert Mayfield.

The Timeline of the Incident: How the Violence Unfolded

At approximately 11:04 a.m. on Thursday, multiple 911 calls flooded Starkville’s emergency dispatch system, reporting an active shooting situation at the Quality Inn. Starkville Police officers rushed to the scene, discovering two gunshot victims in separate locations—one in the hotel parking lot and the other near State Urgent Care, located a short distance away. Both victims were immediately transported to OCH Regional Medical Center but were later pronounced dead due to the severity of their injuries.

At a press conference later that afternoon, Starkville Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Brandon Lovelady provided a detailed account of what transpired, piecing together the sequence of events using witness statements and surveillance footage obtained from the hotel. According to authorities, the dispute that led to the fatal gunfire began inside a vehicle parked in the rear section of the Quality Inn’s lot.

Williams, who was seated in the back seat of the car, exited the vehicle and approached the front passenger door where his girlfriend was sitting. A confrontation ensued when Mayfield, who was in the driver’s seat, stepped out of the vehicle and moved toward Williams on the passenger side. Eyewitnesses reported a brief physical struggle between the three individuals before Mayfield returned to the driver’s seat and attempted to drive away.

As Mayfield accelerated out of the parking lot, Williams reportedly pulled out a firearm and fired multiple rounds at the vehicle. Mayfield, who was also armed, returned fire. The exchange of gunfire left both men mortally wounded. Mayfield managed to drive to State Urgent Care in an apparent effort to seek medical help, while Williams remained in the Quality Inn parking lot, where he eventually collapsed.

A History of Violence: Veshawn Williams Wanted for Kidnapping and Aggravated Assault

Following the incident, investigators confirmed that Veshawn Williams had an active warrant issued by the Columbus Police Department on charges of kidnapping and aggravated assault. Law enforcement officials are now working in conjunction with Columbus PD to establish a full timeline of Williams’ movements leading up to his arrival in Starkville and his fatal encounter with Mayfield.

The presence of an active fugitive adds an additional layer of complexity to the case, as authorities are now investigating whether Williams’ legal troubles played a role in the events that unfolded that morning.

No Arrests, but Questions Remain

Authorities confirmed that the woman involved in the altercation, whose identity has not been released to the public, was unharmed. At this time, no suspects are being sought in connection with the shooting, as both individuals who exchanged gunfire ultimately succumbed to their injuries.

The Starkville Police Department has assured the public that the investigation remains ongoing. The department is also urging anyone with additional information to come forward, as detectives continue to collect evidence and interview witnesses to gain a clearer picture of what led to the deadly confrontation.

Initial Confusion: Reports of an ‘Active Shooter’ Proved to Be Inaccurate

In the immediate aftermath of the incident, social media was flooded with reports that an active shooter situation was unfolding at the Quality Inn. The rapid spread of misinformation led to widespread panic in the area, prompting local businesses to go on high alert and residents to take precautionary measures.

Sgt. Lovelady addressed the confusion at the press briefing, stating:

“We understand that initial reports suggested there was an active shooter at the Quality Inn. We want to make it absolutely clear that this was not the case. This was an isolated incident—a dispute between individuals that tragically escalated into gunfire. At no point was there an ongoing threat to the general public.”

The Starkville Police Department is working closely with the Columbus Police Department and the Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office to finalize the details of the case and provide clarity to the public regarding the incident.

Community Reaction: Grief and Shock in Starkville and Beyond

The fatal shooting has left the Starkville community shaken, with residents expressing both grief and concern over the rising number of violent incidents in the area. The Quality Inn, a typically quiet and unassuming hotel, has now become the focal point of a tragedy that will not soon be forgotten.

Residents and community leaders have called for increased efforts to combat violence and address the underlying issues that lead to such deadly encounters.

“This is heartbreaking. Two young men lost their lives today, and for what? A senseless act of violence,” said a local business owner who asked to remain anonymous. “We have to do better. We have to find ways to stop these tragedies before they happen.”

Local organizations dedicated to crime prevention and community outreach have pledged to use this tragedy as a rallying point to push for initiatives aimed at reducing gun violence and promoting conflict resolution strategies.

Authorities Urge Public Cooperation

As the investigation continues, Starkville authorities are requesting the public’s help in gathering more information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Anyone with knowledge of the events leading up to the altercation or any relevant details is encouraged to contact the Starkville Police Department’s tip line at 662-323-4134 or submit anonymous information through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-530-7151.

Conclusion: A City Mourns as Investigations Continue

The shooting at the Quality Inn has left a lasting impact on the Starkville community, serving as a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence. As investigators continue working to piece together the full story, loved ones of both victims are left grappling with the sudden and heartbreaking loss.

While the legal proceedings may be complex, one thing remains clear—two lives were cut short in an instant, leaving behind grieving families, unanswered questions, and a community searching for solutions.

The Starkville Police Department remains committed to uncovering the truth, ensuring justice is served, and preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future.