NATCHEZ, Miss. — The Natchez community is mourning the loss of 29-year-old Deja Davis, who was fatally shot Sunday night in the Maryland Heights subdivision. The tragic incident has left friends, family, and neighbors grappling with the sudden and violent loss of a young life.
According to Natchez Police Chief Caroline Green, Davis was inside a vehicle with 26-year-old Curtavius Knight when the car was struck by gunfire from one or more suspects. Davis was pronounced dead at the scene. Knight was seriously injured and airlifted from Merit Health Natchez to another hospital for further treatment. Authorities have not released updates on Knight’s current condition.
No arrests have been made, though police say suspects have been identified. The Natchez Police Department continues to actively investigate the shooting, gathering evidence, reviewing witness accounts, and seeking additional information from the public. Authorities have urged anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward to assist in the investigation.
Court records indicate that Knight previously pleaded guilty in February 2022 to accessory before the fact of first-degree murder in connection with the 2018 killing of 17-year-old Shakeria King. Prosecutors stated that Knight was inside a vehicle when Montreal Brown opened fire, killing King outside the Holiday Apartments. Brown was later convicted and sentenced to 70 years in prison, while Knight received a 20-year sentence with 10 years suspended and was credited for roughly five years served. He remains on post-release supervision.
During Knight’s sentencing, prosecutors noted that his truthful testimony was critical in securing Brown’s conviction. Police emphasize that Knight’s past legal history is separate from the current investigation into Davis’ shooting, which is being treated as an active homicide case.
As the community grapples with the loss of Deja Davis, authorities continue to work diligently to identify all involved parties and determine the circumstances of the shooting. Natchez Police are appealing to anyone with information to contact the department, hoping that leads from the public can help bring justice and closure to Davis’ family and loved ones.
