Jasper Co. man charged with murder

By Eloria Newell James, community@leadercall.com

HEIDELBERG December 31, 2008 09:19 am

— Jasper County officials are continuing to investigate a weekend incident that left one man dead and another in jail.
Jasper County Coroner Randy Graham said James Clayton, 23, of Georgia died from injuries received in a Saturday afternoon incident within the city limits of Heidelberg.
Officials said Clayton was transported from the scene to South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel, where he was later pronounced dead.
According to officials, details concerning Clayton’s death are still being investigated.
However, officials confirmed that a Jasper County man is behind bars in connection with the incident.
Jasper County Sheriff Kenneth Cross confirmed that Fred Hare has been booked into the Jasper County jail in Bay Springs, where he has been charged with one count of murder.
Officials said Hare, who is in his 20s, had his initial court appearance this week and his bond has been set at $50,000. Hare remained in jail at press time Tuesday night.
According to officials, the Heidelberg Police Department is leading the investigation into the incident.
“The Heidelberg Police are working the case. I just had a few deputies there to assist them,” the sheriff said. “They are still working to gather all the details. They still have witnesses to talk to concerning the incident.”
Cross, however, referred all questions concerning the specifics of the incident to the Heidelberg Police Department. However, efforts to reach HPD and Chief Prentiss Henley were unsuccessful Tuesday.
However, Graham confirmed that a vehicle was involved in Clayton’s injuries.
Graham said Clayton’s body has been sent to the Mississippi Crime Lab in Jackson for an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.