One arrested, one wanted in fatal Gulfport shooting

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV)- One suspect has been arrested and one suspect is still wanted in the fatal shooting in Gulfport on Monday night.

On April 29, 2025, the Gulfport Police Department arrested 23-year-old Paul Ravin Martin Jr., of Gulfport, Mississippi.

He was charged with one count of First-Degree Murder, one count of Shooting into a Dwelling, and three counts of Aggravated Assault.

On April 28, 2025, at approximately 9:15 p.m., officers of the Gulfport Police Department responded to the area of Holly Circle near Cherry Court in reference to a shooting.

Upon arrival, officers located three victims suffering from gunshot wounds. A fourth victim had already been transported to a local hospital by a private vehicle.

One of the victims, 16-year-old Cobi Earnest, was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

During the investigation, it was determined that Martin and Kevin Eugene James traveled to the area of Holly Circle to confront individuals.

They brandished firearms and fired indiscriminately, striking multiple victims before fleeing the scene. Martin was located a short time later and taken into custody.

Martin was processed and transported to the Harrison County Adult Detention Center, where he is being held without bond per Judge Patano. Martin was out on bond at the time for a drive-by shooting that occurred in November.

James is currently wanted on charges of 1st Degree Murder, Shooting Into a Dwelling, and three counts of Aggravated Assault. He is described as a 53-year-old black male, approximately 5’11” tall, weighing 200 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. James should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Gulfport Police Department at 228-868-5959 or Mississippi Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898.