May 15--Authorities say they know the recent shooting deaths of two people in separate incidents along North Mississippi highways are connected and are asking the FBI for help.
DeSoto County Dist. Atty. John Champion and area sheriffs held a Monday afternoon news conference on the DeSoto County Courthouse steps in Hernando to update the case amid growing public fears and rumors -- including concerns about stopping for police cars -- sparked by the slayings three days and about 50 miles apart.
"There are a lot of rumors, and we don't know anything concrete at this point," said Champion, who would not discuss specific evidence. "What we do know is that the homicides are linked, and we are putting credence in the common denominators that both vehicles were found on the side of the road and both subjects were shot."
The first incident occurred May 8 when Thomas K. Schlender, 74, of Raymond, Neb., was found shortly after 1:30 a.m. shot to death inside his pickup in the median of southbound Interstate 55 near the Pope, Miss., exit in Panola County. Schlender was traveling to Florida to pick up his grandson from college.
The second shooting occurred May 11. Lori Anne Carswell, 47, of Hernando was found lying in the roadway near her sedan on the shoulder of Miss. 713 near Interstate 69 about 2:15 a.m. in Tunica County. Carswell, who worked at Fitzgerald's Casino, was on her way home from work.
During the weekend, a task force made up of local law enforcement from Coahoma, DeSoto, Panola, Tate and Tunica counties met with state and federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, and Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents.
"This task force has asked a FBI profiler to work on this case to help us with the investigation," said Champion, who led the news conference.
Champion said there is "speculation" that the two victims may have been pulled over by someone impersonating a police officer.
"We can't rule anything out at this point," he said but added: "Right now, we simply don't know who is behind the shootings so that is why we are asking the community for their help."
Still, the speculation was enough to cause the Tate County Sheriff's Department to post a warning for drivers on its Facebook page:
"If someone attempts to pull you over with flashing lights and you feel unsure of stopping, DON'T PULL OVER," the post read. "Use your cell phone and dial 911 and if it's a real officer then the dispatcher will confirm it for you and if it's not a real officer they will send help to you."
Champion said if motorists are unsure if a vehicle stopping them is a law enforcement officer, the motorist is allowed by state law to turn on emergency flashers, call 911 and drive to a lighted public facility or to a police or sheriff's office.
A reward is being offered for any information in the case. Anyone with information can call (888) 827-4637.
Motorists can also call *47 on cellphones to report anything suspicious, authorities said.
-- Yolanda Jones: (901) 333-2014
What to do
North Mississippi law enforcement authorities said Monday they know two recent highway slayings are connected, causing fear and concern among some motorists about stopping on the highway.
DeSoto County Dist. Atty. John Champion offered these tips:
As allowed by state law, turn on emergency flashers, call 911 and drive to a lighted public facility or to a police or sheriff's office.
Motorists can also call *47 on cell phones to report suspicious activity.
Copyright 2012 - The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tenn.
