Man Arrested For Mississippi Highway Shootings
By: Stephen Crews
Updated: May 18, 2012
Authorities in Mississippi have arrested a Sardis man for two deadly highway shootings.
28-year-old James Willie was originally arrested in Tunica on Tuesday, May 15 for sexual assault. At the time of his arrest he was in possession of a handgun, which was matched to the weapon used to kill two people on north Mississippi highways earlier this month. Tom Schlender, 72, was gunned down May 8. Days later on May 11, Lori Carswell, 47, was murdered as she drove home from work at a Tunica casino.
In both cases the cars were pulled over to the side of the road, and investigators had suspected the killer was impersonating a police officer.
"Hundreds of man hours have been devoted to tracking down and arresting this individual," Gov. Phil Bryant said. "Public safety is of paramount concern to us. Just as a week ago, with the resolution of the kidnap/murder case in north Mississippi, again we see the effective results of a unified effort of several law enforcement agencies working together."
Willie will be charged with two counts of capital murder, in addition to his current charges of rape and felon in possession of a weapon.
28-year-old James Willie was originally arrested in Tunica on Tuesday, May 15 for sexual assault. At the time of his arrest he was in possession of a handgun, which was matched to the weapon used to kill two people on north Mississippi highways earlier this month. Tom Schlender, 72, was gunned down May 8. Days later on May 11, Lori Carswell, 47, was murdered as she drove home from work at a Tunica casino.
In both cases the cars were pulled over to the side of the road, and investigators had suspected the killer was impersonating a police officer.
"Hundreds of man hours have been devoted to tracking down and arresting this individual," Gov. Phil Bryant said. "Public safety is of paramount concern to us. Just as a week ago, with the resolution of the kidnap/murder case in north Mississippi, again we see the effective results of a unified effort of several law enforcement agencies working together."
Willie will be charged with two counts of capital murder, in addition to his current charges of rape and felon in possession of a weapon.
