Teen Dies Days After Laurel Shooting; Mother and Son Arrested in Connection
LAUREL, Miss. – A tragic shooting in Laurel has resulted in the death of 17-year-old Jamal Pruitt, and led to the arrest of Eric Drummond Jr., 21, and his mother, Janice Norman, 39.
The incident occurred on the morning of Saturday, May 24, around 10 a.m., in the 900 block of Marion Drive. Following the shooting, Pruitt was transported by private vehicle to South Central Regional Medical Center before being transferred to Forrest General Hospital for advanced treatment. Despite efforts to save him, Pruitt succumbed to his injuries four days later, on May 28.
Eric Drummond Jr. was taken into custody the same day the shooting occurred. He was initially charged with aggravated assault and booked into jail on a $225,000 bond. According to Laurel Police Chief Tommy Cox, Drummond remains held and is also facing a separate felony charge. The District Attorney’s Office is now reviewing the case, with an upgrade to homicide charges possible in light of Pruitt’s death.
On May 29, Drummond’s mother, Janice Norman, was arrested and charged with accessory after the fact. Her bond was set at $85,000, and she has since been released.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not yet disclosed a motive. Laurel Police continue working closely with the District Attorney’s Office as the case moves forward.
This incident has sent waves of grief through the Laurel community as family and friends mourn the loss of a young life, while justice begins to take its course.
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