On Sunday, April 13, 2025, at approximately 11:13 p.m., the Tunica County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call stating an individual had been shot at the intersection of Carol Street and Edwards Avenue in Tunica County, Mississippi.

 

Sheriff deputies and first responders were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, deputies located one black male suffering from gun shot wounds. The individual was treated on scene by Pafford but succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by the Tunica County Coroner, Glen Grant.

 

The victim has been identified as Makenzie Kaleb Thomas, 18, of Tunica, Mississippi. Thomas was transported by the Panola County Coroner to the Mississippi Crime Lab (Medical Examiner's Office) for an autopsy.

 

During the initial investigation, Mario Donyale Lester, Jr., 17, of Tunica County, Mississippi was developed as the suspect. The Tunica County Sheriff's Office has obtained an active warrant for Lester for First Degree Murder and the Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm within Populated Area.

 

Lester is considered to be armed and dangerous. If you make contact with Lester or have any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact 911 immediately, or Tunica County Sheriff's Office at 662-363-1411 or Tunica County CrimeStoppers at 662-910-0400.

 

This investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information related to this incident may contact the Tunica County Sheriff's Office at 662-363-1411 or Tunica County CrimeStoppers at 662-910-0400. Any information leading to an arrest can pay up to $1,000.

 

Any person who is found that may have knowingly aided, abetted, or assisted in concealing or harboring Lester while at large, shall face criminal charges.