Jackson County authorities seek missing children after their father charged with murder

JACKSON COUNTY, Miss. (WALA) - A father, Karis Hamilton, has been charged with murder following a shooting incident in Jackson County on Wednesday night, and his four children are currently missing. The Jackson County Sheriff's Department (JCSD) reported that deputies are actively searching for the children, who are believed to have been taken by their father around 10:30 PM.

Emergency responders were dispatched to the family home located on Santa Fe Avenue in the St. Martin community after reports of gunfire. Upon investigation, deputies apprehended Hamilton around 5 AM and charged him with murder as well as domestic violence/aggravated assault. However, specific details regarding the circumstances leading to these charges have not been disclosed.

The children, identified as 7-year-old Karis Martin, 4-year-old Lalina Hamilton, 3-year-old Genive Hamilton, and 2-year-old Mariah Hamilton, have not been located. Authorities are keen to find them quickly and ensure their safety.

The sheriff's department is urging the public to assist in locating the missing children. Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts is encouraged to contact the JCSD at 228-769-3063 or Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at 877-787-5898. The situation remains critical as the search continues.

Community members are deeply concerned for the well-being of the children, and the JCSD is committed to resolving the case promptly while investigating the details surrounding the tragic incident.