One of Hattiesburg's most prominent community leaders was ambushed and almost murdered, being shot multiple times. Derrian Moye, known mostly as Mr. Hattiesburg, was gunned down and his family fears the worst is yet to come.
While suffering multiple gunshot wounds including one in the chest, Moye went live from his social media platform clearly surrounded by doctors and medical staff. The question is why, while suffering from gunshot wounds, would he go live on social media?
Moye, who was honored by The University of Southern Mississippi as "Hometown Hero", is known for his historic work in the community, such as creating and organizing both the largest job fair and disaster relief effort in Hattiesburg's history. Just earlier this year, he was the commencement speaker for a Mississippi College. He is also an Eagle Scout, the highest honor awarded by The Boy Scouts of America.
In a disturbing account from people familiar with the incident, a Hattiesburg Police officer walked in the trauma room and asked, "Are you Mr. Hattiesburg?" He responded in severe pain, "Yes!" The police officer responded, "You finally got shot?!" then turned around, directing other officers to leave the room. As the officers left the room walking in the hallway, they were smiling and laughing to each other.
Moye then went live on social media to describe the car that ambushed him after the police refused to listen to him moments after being shot, in what he feared would be the last words of his life.
Moye was then rushed to the x-ray room where a nurse came in and said, "Mr. Moye we need your phone." Moye took his phone out of his pocket, clutched it tightly in his hand and said, "No! You can not have my phone!"
Despite not giving consent, the nurse snatched his phone against his will in concert with Hattiesburg Police while clearly suffering from gunshot wounds and quickly left the room.
Once the detective arrived at Forrest General Hospital, he told the family they could come pick up Moye's phone from the police station the next day, after initially claiming the police didn't have it.
According to family, Forrest General was releasing Moye so fast with open gun shot wounds that they had to beg the hospital even for a blanket to cover him up, as he only had on a paper gown, which was rapidly soaking in fresh blood. The hospital only let him use it to the entrance getting in the car.
Still in so much pain and leaking heavily in blood, his family had to drive him immediately to Merit Health Wesley.
The story took yet another unfortunate turn. The family followed up with the detective to set up a time to come give more information about Moye's near death experience, but to the family's shock, the police refused.
The police told the family that only the victim could give information about the case which immediately threw up red flags. Almost all of the time, the police welcome and often solicit any information about any case, especially one involving a deadly weapon used in a near death shooting of a public figure.
Then, the family asked the police about any new information on the case in which the police said "only one person was arrested," which was already public knowledge because the police had already given the media information before contacting the victim's family.
Finally, the family asked about coming to get the phone and the detective refused to give the phone back, saying the police would "seek a warrant" for the victim's phone.
Finally, fed up with how they and Moye were being treated, the family went to the police station despite the police refusing to take out time to personally meet with the victim's family, to make a formal complaint against the police.
Surprisingly, once again, Hattiesburg Police said no! They couldn't even file a formal complaint.
They were told only the victim could come to the police station and file a complaint on his and their behalf. The family tried to explain that his health was extremely poor and couldn't walk or really talk, but it fell on death ears.
The family says that this is all alarming and disturbing on so many levels, including illegal they believe. The family and others have said they have lost all confidence in Hattiesburg Police Department. The family refused to comment about what other actions they are currently taken, only saying they are "hurt, lost, disappointed and horrified."
The horrific shooting took place Sunday, November 24. Asked one doctor how long it would take for Moye to recover, or at least walk or talk right, the doctor told the family it could take "months or years."