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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
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Meridian Police Department has lost 5 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Kennis is one of 243 officers killed feloniously in MS, 69.4% of the 350 remembered there.
Kennis is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Kennis is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2022, 1 officer at Meridian Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 2022, 4 officers in MS were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1981, with 6.
In 2022, 79 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 86th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2022, 84 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Kennis was 30. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Meridian Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 40; the middle age was 32. Kennis had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 8.5 years.
Kennis was 30. Of the 222 killed feloniously in MS whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 53; the middle age was 41. Kennis had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
Kennis was 30. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Kennis had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Kennis was 30. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Kennis had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 20% of these deaths at Meridian Police Department; October holds the most, 40%. Thursdays: 40%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths in MS; December holds the most, 12.3%. Thursdays: 12.8%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 5 deaths at Meridian Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 20% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.4% of all 350 deaths in MS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 16% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Meridian Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, Kennis among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Meridian Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
