Police seek suspect in fatal shooting

By By Georgia E. Frye / staff writer
May 26, 2004
Law enforcement officers in Meridian and Lauderdale County are searching for Jerry W. Pearson in connection with a fatal shooting Tuesday at a convenience store.
The shooting happened about noon at an X-Press Lane at Fifth Street and Highway 11 South in Meridian.
Detective Dean Harper said Pearson allegedly shot 28-year-old John Anthony of 4621-A Blue Top Road while both men were standing outside their vehicles in the parking lot. Harper said Pearson then fled the scene.
Anthony died about 5:15 p.m.
Lauderdale County Coroner Clayton Cobler said Anthony died of multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen.
Police say Pearson is considered armed and extremely dangerous; anyone who sees him should not approach him and should call 911 immediately. Pearson is a white man, 48 years old, 6 feet tall and weighing 160 pounds. He has blue eyes and long gray hair that may be pulled back in a ponytail.
Like Anthony, Pearson also lives on Blue Top Road.
Pearson was last seen in a 1991 gray and blue Chevrolet truck, license number 744-LB7. Police say Pearson is also known to drive a 1993 green Mitsubishi Eclipse, license number 832-LBC.