Fifth Arrest Made in Murder, Plans Released for Monday Services Set for Slain Biloxi Policeman Robert McKeithen

A fifth person has been arrested in connection with the case of the Sunday night shooting death of on-duty police officer Robert McKeithen, right outside Biloxi Police Headquarters on Porter Avenue.

Andre A. Sullivan was arrested Thursday night and is being held on a $500,000 bond at the Harrison County Jail. Sullivan is charged with accessory after the fact, along with three others arrested earlier this week. Nineteen-year-old Darian Atkinson was the first person arrested in this case. He is charged with capital murder of a law enforcement officer.

No official word yet on what the motive was behind the shooting. Since news broke about this tragedy, people near and far have poured out support and condolences for McKeithen’s family. A makeshift memorial stands outside the police headquarters. McKeithen’s police cruiser is covered with flowers, stuffed animals and notes. A fund has been set up at Southern Federal Credit Union in Biloxi in McKeithen’s name. Donations will go directly to the slain officer’s family. McKeithen leaves behind a wife, children and stepchildren. His funeral service and visitation are set for Monday, May 13, with visitation at First Baptist Church in Biloxi starting at 9:30 am.

There will be a small procession at about 7:30 am Monday from the Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home on Howard Avenue in Biloxi to First Baptist Church in Biloxi, where the public can pay their respects. Visitation for the public is set from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at First Baptist Church in Biloxi on Popps Ferry Road. Burial will take place after a processional at Biloxi National Cemetery on Veterans Avenue. Police will be on hand to assist with parking.

There will be two flag salutes. One will be at the church. The other will take place at the Biloxi Lighthouse.

As of Friday, nearly 300 motorcycles and law enforcement patrol units have confirmed they will be part of the processional, and as many as 1,000 vehicles are expected.

The processional is set to be from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm and will be two lanes the entire route. As of Thursday, the route has been planned to start from the church at Popps Ferry Road, north on Cedar Lake Road, east on Interstate 10, south on Interstate 110, to U.S. 90 west to Veterans Avenue to Biloxi National Cemetery. City spokesman Vincent Creel says traffic will be stopped during the processional. Biloxi Police Honor Guard will provide the honors at the cemetery with a 21-gun salute, folding of the flag, Final Roll Call and Taps.

Officer McKeithen was a 24 year law enforcement veteran, described as gentle and a family man.