Man arrested for apartment murder

RIDGELAND — A man was arrested on murder charges after allegedly shooting his girlfriend in the head at an apartment complex here.

The man, Dannquarious Deuntea Byest, 23,  was arrested and charged with the murder of Autumn Diane Brookae Shanks, 21, according to Ridgeland Police Chief Brian Myers.

He was given a $500,000 bond and remains in jail.

In addition to the murder charge, Byest is also charged with malicious mischief.

On Friday morning, Feb. 7, at 1:53 a.m., Ridgeland Police responded to the Pinebrook Apartments, 107 Pine Knoll Drive, to a report of a gunshot wound to the head. 

Upon arrival, officers made contact with Byest, who lived in the apartment, Myers said. Officers entered the apartment and found Shanks dead in a bedroom.   

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones of Ms. Shanks. Law enforcement feels the weight of such a tragic loss and we mourn alongside this family,” Myers said.