Gulfport PD searching for man wanted in connection with December shooting
On December 17, 2023, at approximately 7:26 p.m., the Gulfport Police Department responded to the area of 3318 39th Avenue in reference to a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Through the course of the investigation, detectives identified Kialle Deshawn Ray Jr. as a suspect. It was determined that Ray discharged a rifle multiple times at a group of individuals.
Ray fled the scene prior to the officers’ arrival. One victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds, and an occupant of an apartment, later identified as Donna Perkins, was lying in bed and sustained a gunshot wound. Perkins was transported to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injury. The second victim later arrived at a local hospital where he was treated for his wounds.
Ray is currently wanted and has an active warrant for second-degree murder and eight counts of aggravated assault. Judge Patano set Ray’s bond at $3,000,000.
Ray is described as a 22-year-old Black male, approximately 5’10”, 180 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes. Ray should be considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with additional information regarding this incident or the location of Ray is urged to contact the Gulfport Police Department at 228-868-5959 or Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898.
