Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Kennis Croom was shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call at the 2400 block of 51st Avenue in Meridian at 5:30 pm.
Other officers responding to the call discovered that Officer Croom and a victim of the domestic violence had been shot. Both were pronounced dead a short time later. In his final act of service, Officer Croom donated his organs.
The male suspect had fled the scene but was arrested the following morning by members of a United States Marshals Service task force in Choctaw County. He pleaded guilty to capital murder and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Officer Croom had served with the Meridian Police Department for almost two years and had previously served with the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office, the Jackson Police Department, the Brookhaven Police Department, and the Hinds County Sheriff's Office.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents and siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MS-A56AD0A7- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Croom gave the Meridian Police Department 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Meridian community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Croom.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Kennis Winston Croom is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In MS, 242 of 349 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.3% of this state's fallen. That is 15.1 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Meridian Police Department, 5 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Kennis Winston Croom's cause is highlighted.
How Kennis Winston Croom Compares
Offender Outcome
Life without parole
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Kennis Winston Croom is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Kennis Winston Croom was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Meridian Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
