CRIME & SAFETY

JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - Law enforcement and other emergency officials responded to a one-vehicle collision in Jones County Monday afternoon after a pickup truck struck a tree. According to the Jones County Sheriff’s Department, the crash happened in the 400 block of Sandhill Church Road. Reportedly, the driver lost...

Witness the bravery and dedication of Jones County firefighters as they respond to two separate crashes on a busy Saturday. Experience the intensity of their job and the crucial role they play in ensuring public safety in this gripping news report.

JONES COUNTY Miss. (WDAM) - A rollover collision late Saturday night on Mississippi 29 north left two injured, including one who was critically injured and airlifted from the scene. The Jones County Fire Council said Soso, Hebron, Calhoun and Pleasant Ridge volunteer fire departments responded about 11:50 p.m. Saturday to...

STONE COUNTY, Mo. (KY3) - A man from Mississippi has died after a single-motorcycle crash near Cape Fair, Missouri Monday afternoon. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report, around 11:20 a.m., 71-year-old Richard King of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, was riding his BMW motorcycle on Missouri Highway 76. The crash...

Experience the harrowing tale of a Jones County resident's narrow escape from a devastating mobile home fire. This gripping news story showcases the resilience of the human spirit in the face of life-threatening adversity.

A civil complaint has been lodged against the Jones County sheriff, stirring controversy in the local community. Tune in to understand the allegations and the potential implications this could have on the sheriff's office and Jones County at large.

JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - A three-vehicle accident Saturday night at the fork of U.S. 11 and Moselle-Seminary left four people with minor injuries, including one who was taken to the hospital. Jones County Fire Council Public Information Officer Dana Baumgardner said three others declined transport. Mississippi Highway Patrol Trooper...

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT) – A Southern Miss student has died after an incident at the university’s parking garage in Hattiesburg on Thursday, September 28, according to officials. In a message to faculty and staff, University of Southern Mississippi (USM) President Joseph Paul said University police are investigating the death of the unidentified student, but no […]

An Ellisville parent faces charges after their child tests positive for drugs. This shocking case has left the community in disbelief. Tune in to learn more about the unfolding investigation and the potential consequences for the accused.

JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - A man is behind bars after crashing his vehicle into a Dollar General outside of Ellisville Thursday afternoon. According to the Jones County Sheriff’s Department, 32-year-old Cullen Carter was arrested by Cpl. La-Dean Byrd and Deputy Jarone’ Walker at the scene and charged with DUI-Other.

A Columbus mother who was drawn to voodoo and told investigators that she killed her 11-year-old son with a metal "stake" in a Mississippi hotel room because she believed he was a demon has been convicted of capital murder. Latina Marie Lee Oates, 36, who lived on Columbus' Far North...

LAUREL, Miss. (WHLT) – Laurel police are searching for a missing 43-year-old man. Investigators said Travis Smith has not been in contact with his family for the last several weeks. They believe he may be in the Jackson area. Anyone with information on Smith’s whereabouts can contact the Laurel Police Department at 601-399-4440 or Crime […]

ELLISVILLE, Miss. (WDAM) - A vehicle ran into the Dollar General store in Ellisville Thursday, caving in a small section of the store’s façade and slowing area traffic for awhile. What caused the accident is not known at this time, but law enforcement is investigating. This report will...

LAUREL, Miss. (WDAM) - An Ohio woman accused of killing her 11-year-old son in a Laurel hotel bathroom in 2020 was found guilty of capital murder Thursday evening. After a four-day trial, Judge Dal Williamson sentenced Latina Oates to life in prison without parole. The state did not seek the...

A Jones County resident, previously reported missing following a devastating house fire, has been found safe. Tune in to hear the gripping story of survival and the community's relentless search efforts that led to this heartwarming outcome.

This security footage helped law enforcement locate Latina Oates and her two surviving sons following the murder of 11-year-old Josh Oates.

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - The Hattiesburg police are asking for the public’s help in locating a runaway teen. Saira Lopez, 15, Hattiesburg, was last seen around 8 a.m. on Aug. 3. in the area of West Pine Street in Hattiesburg. Lopez stands about 4 feet, 7 inches, and weighs...

The murder trial of Latina Oates, an Ohio woman accused of the alleged murder of her 11-year-old son, Joshua, is now in its critical stage. Oates is being charged with her alleged crime, which supposedly took place in a hotel room in Laurel.

Day two of the Latina Oates trial revealed graphic and disturbing details in the death of Oates’ 11-year-old son.

ELLISVILLE, Miss. (WHLT) – A 91-year-old man has died after a crash in Jones County on Sunday, September 24. The Laurel Leader Call reported the man was identified as George Tisdale, of Ellisville. The crash happened on Highway 588 at Oak Bowery Road just before 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. Officials with the Jones County Fire […]