Starkville, MS — Two men were fatally shot Thursday morning in a violent altercation outside the Quality Inn, located at 403 MS-12.

The victims have been identified as Veshawn Williams, 25, of Columbus, and Robert Mayfield, 27, of Memphis.

According to the Starkville Police Department (SPD), the incident involved three individuals: a woman, her boyfriend, Williams, and her cousin, Mayfield.

Officials later confirmed that Williams was wanted by the Columbus Police Department on charges of kidnapping and aggravated assault. The woman’s identity has not been released.

Authorities received multiple 911 calls at 11:04 a.m. reporting a shooting at the Quality Inn.

Upon arrival, officers discovered two men suffering from gunshot wounds—one in the hotel parking lot and the other nearby at State Urgent Care.

Both victims were transported to OCH Regional Medical Center, where they succumbed to their injuries.

At a press conference, Sgt. Brandon Lovelady of the Starkville Police Department provided a timeline of events based on witness statements and security footage.

“At the time of the incident, all three individuals were inside a vehicle parked behind the Quality Inn,” Lovelady explained.

Williams, who was seated in the rear of the vehicle, exited and opened the front passenger door, where the woman was sitting.

Mayfield, who was driving, then got out and approached Williams on the passenger side, leading to a brief physical altercation between the three.

Mayfield then returned to the driver’s seat and attempted to drive away, leaving Williams outside the vehicle.

As the vehicle pulled away, Williams and Mayfield exchanged gunfire, with both sustaining fatal injuries.

Mayfield managed to drive to State Urgent Care, seeking medical assistance, while Williams remained behind the Quality Inn.

SPD confirmed that the woman involved was not injured during the shooting.

Authorities are working in coordination with the Columbus Police Department to establish a full timeline of events and determine how the individuals arrived in Starkville.

Sgt. Lovelady also addressed initial reports of an active shooter, clarifying that such rumors were false.

“Again, an argument escalated into gunfire,” Lovelady stated. “Initial reports suggested an active shooter situation, but those claims were later determined to be incorrect.”

The Starkville Police Department expressed gratitude for the cooperation of the community and the assistance of multiple agencies, including:

• State Urgent Care staff
• Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office
• Starkville Fire Department
• EMS personnel & 911 dispatchers

Authorities have not disclosed whether any charges will be filed, and the investigation remains ongoing. Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.