Three arrested in connection with Gulfport teen’s death, face Capital Murder charges
GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV) – Three people have been arrested in connection with the shooting death of a 15-year-old Gulfport teenager, according to the Gulfport Police Department.
Using surveillance footage from the area, officers identified a black Ford Fusion believed to be connected to the case. Police later located the vehicle at Cypress Lane Apartments, where a juvenile suspect and Elliona Yari-Cheri Goffney, 18, were taken into custody without incident.
Police say Elijah Markell Parham, 18, later turned himself in to the Gulfport Police Department. The arrests stem from the investigation into the shooting death of 15-year-old Jonte Sirico Payton in the 200 block of Commerce St.
According to Gulfport Police, officers determined an altercation occurred following a botched robbery, during which Payton was shot.
After being processed and interviewed, all three suspects were transported to the Harrison County Adult Detention Center. Authorities say bond amounts were set by Judge Albert Fountain.
Elijah Markell Parham, 18, was charged with Capital Murder and Armed Robbery. Elliona Yari-Cheri Goffney, 18, was charged with Accessory After the Fact. A juvenile suspect was also charged with Capital Murder and Armed Robbery.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Gulfport Police Department at 228-868-5959 or Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898.
