Jackson police are on the scene of a double homicide on Scott St. Reports show that both victims are male and a possible suspect is in custody. Friday, January 19, 2018. Sarah Warnock
Animals everywhere lost a friend Friday.
Hinds County Coroner Sharon Grisham-Stewart confirmed that one of the victims of a Jackson double homicide was Percy King, 57, a former zookeeper at the Jackson Zoo who was fondly referred to as "The Snake Man".
The shooting occurred at a home in the 500 block of Scott Street. JPD responded to the call of a reported shooting shortly before 12:30 p.m. and found two victims fatally injured upon arrival.
Not far from the scene, officers located a witness who had observed the incident unfold. The witness held the suspect at bay until officers took him into custody. A handgun believed to be the murder weapon was recovered, according to authorities.
The other victim was identified Friday evening as 19-year-old Jarvis Birtfield.
Saturday morning, JPD announced Jamarrio Bell had been arrested and charged with the two murders. The 26-year-old remains in custody and is awaiting his initial court appearance.
A motive remains unclear, and it also has not been determined whether only one or both victims were the suspect’s intended target.
The coroner positively confirmed the identity of King following an outpouring of concern that made its way through the Jackson community and onto King's Facebook page.
King served as a Jackson zookeeper from 1997 to 2011, and became a member of the Jackson Zoo Board in 2017.
Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba called King's death "heartbreaking."
"He had a passion about using animals to bring joy to children. I'm heartbroken about his murder and I want to get all the answers the police department can provide," Lumumba said.
Patty Furr, executive director of the Jackson Hinds Library System, recalled King's selfless nature.
He entertained library patrons at no personal benefit to himself, Furr said. King would bring his personal collection of reptiles and educate children on the animals, which included turtles, snakes and caimans.
"The kids adored him," Furr said.
King also made a habit of visiting Jackson's schools and every year had a spot at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds near the gate, where visitors could look at and handle the big snakes.
"He was such a gentle person. What a public service he was doing. It's a great loss to the library system and the city," Furr said.
Some of King's 4,573 Facebook friends took to his page to honor him and post their own memories, including King's dedication to performing at children's birthday parties across the city.
The Jackson Zoo sent out a news release Friday expressing condolences to King's family.
"He dedicated his life to being a liaison between humans and wildlife in the Jackson community, encouraging all ages to face and even overcome fears and prejudices regarding animals with an educational focus.
He willingly shared his knowledge and experience with his peers and officials for the benefit of his neighborhood, community and state, the release went on to say. "Many will remember him as 'The Snake Man,' as well as his love for all creatures, but especially elephants.
"The remaining board, staff, and families are shocked and saddened by his untimely passing. We endeavor to keep his legacy intact, and our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones as they search for solace, and hopefully eventual peace," the statement read.
The investigation is ongoing and updates will be provided as the story develops.