NEWS

Homicide victim in Byram identified

Therese Apel
Clarion Ledger
Byram police respond to the scene of a homicide Tuesday.

Byram police are investigating a homicide in the Eagles Nest subdivision.

Police Chief Luke Thompson said officers received a call from American Medical Response about a person in cardiac arrest on Mountain Crest Drive around 6 a.m.

Felix Garth, 41, was confirmed dead at the scene, Thompson said. An investigation showed signs of foul play.

Garth worked for the Catholic Diocese in downtown Jackson, authorities said.

Garth was shot in the face, according to Hinds County Coroner Sharon Grisham-Stewart.

There were three other people in the home who have been taken in for questioning. Thompson said no one has been charged. He did not say whether charges are expected.

Grisham-Stewart took custody of Garth's body, and an autopsy will be performed.

Friends mourned Garth's death on social media Tuesday.

"He was a man who had a passion for joking around, sports, and always finding the cost efficient way to do things around the office," wrote co-worker Christopher Luke. "When we first came to St. Therese he helped us get the youth group off the ground and running, a great guy and will truly be missed. It isn't even settling in that he isn't at work today and won't be here tomorrow. Praying for his family and friends. He will definitely be missed."

Contact Therese Apel at tapel@gannett.com. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter.

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