Ridgeland man arrested for murder of girlfriend

RIDGELAND- A Ridgeland man was arrested at a local apartment complex for allegedly shooting his girlfriend in the head, authorities said.

The man, Dannquarious Deuntea Byest, 23, of Ridgeland, was arrested and charged with murder and malicious mischief, Chief Brian Myers said.

On Friday morning, Feb. 7, at 1:53 a.m., officers with the Ridgeland Police Department responded to the Pinebrook Apartment Complex at 107 Pine Knoll Drive in reference to a report of an individual sustaining a gunshot wound to the head. 

Upon arrival, officers made contact with Byest, who lived in the aprtment, Myers said. Officers entered the apartment and encountered Autumn Diane Brookae Shanks, 21, in the bedroom deceased.   

Byest has been charged with First Degree Murder and will be held with no bond at the Madison County Detention Center, Myers said. 

“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.

Myers said Byest and Shanks were in a relationship.