The Starkville Police Department said Friday a third person was charged with the August beating death of a 77-year-old Starkville woman. Police Chief David Lindley said Demarcus Evans, 16, of 307 Santa Anita, Starkville, was taken into custody on a capital murder charge based on information gathered by the Starkville Police Department in the ongoing investigation of the Juanita Miller murder case.
Evans is being held without bond in the Oktibbeha County Jail.
Police also said Devail Hudson, 26, and Bentore Riley, 20, both of Starkville have been charged with capital murder in Miller’s killing.
Lindley said more arrests are possible.
Investigators said Miller was beaten during an Aug. 20 burglary at her home on Reed Road. At least two of the suspects live in a mobile home park near the victim’s home, officers said.
Miller was found by Starkville firefighters responding to a fire at her home. She later died at a local hospital.
Investigators said the fire was set to hide the crime.
Police encourage any individuals who wish to give useful information on this crime to contact the Starkville Police Department at 323-4131.