By By Marianne Todd/The Meridian Star
Oct. 22, 2001
A Quitman man remained in custody today following the weekend shooting death of a Newton County man at the Half Time Sports Bar in Lauderdale County.
Lauderdale County Sheriff Billy Sollie said James Beavers, 38, 8206 Highway 18 East in Quitman, is expected be charged today with murder or manslaughter after investigators meet with officials from the district attorney's office.
Sollie said the shooting happened at 10:03 p.m. Saturday at the Half Time Sports Bar on Highway 80 West. Deputies arrived to find patrons performing CPR on Tommy Johnson, 40, 4571 Chunky Duffee Road in Newton.
Sollie said the shooting allegedly occurred after the two men became involved in an argument. Johnson was shot once in the chest with a .22 caliber semi-automatic handgun, which was recovered at the scene.
Investigators questioned a number of witnesses at the scene; more are expected to be questioned today.
Johnson's body has been transported to the Mississippi Mortuary in Jackson for autopsy, Sollie said. Beavers will make his initial court appearance within the next few days, Sollie said.
Marianne Todd is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3236, or e-mail her at mtodd@themeridianstar.com.