Neighbors on edge after double homicide in Clarksdale

CLARKSDALE, MS (WMC) - The Clarksdale Police Department and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation are investigating a double homicide in the 1400 block of King Street.

Investigators believed the murders took place at 9:00 p.m. Wednesday night.

However, the bodies weren't discovered until 11:00 a.m. Thursday.

Clarksdale police called in the MBI because they have more resources.

According to MBI investigators, the victims are 69-year-old Austin Alton Bruce and 28-year-old Candice Roper.

Family confirmed that Roper was seven months pregnant.

Investigators said Roper lived at the home, and family said they were good friends.

"It's so sad," said neighbor Shaudraca Wolfe. "It just feels so hurtful to know that somebody could take out an innocent pregnant woman like that. Senseless killing, you know. It's unnecessary."

Sandra Dickson's grandson lives on the other side of the duplex.

"He heard the shots about 1 o clock but he said he did not get up," Dickson said. "I'm happy that nothing happened to him that's what I'm really happy about. Because he's an important part of the family's life."

Neighbors said the experience shook them up.

"It makes me feel very horrified," Wolfe said. "This was supposed to be a seemingly quite peaceful neighborhood. And to wake up to something like this is just horrible."

Clarksdale police said this is not their first double homicide this year.

"It seems like this is popping up all over sections of Clarksdale," said resident Bobby Keel. "This ain't the first time this has happened."

The MBI has not determined a suspect.

"If anything I would love to see more patrol cars, patrolling the area more. And you know, just neighbors looking out for neighbors more," said Wolfe.

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