photo courtesy of AP
Black woman detective Myiesha Steward was killed in a Mississippi shootout on Tuesday, October 11. The 30 year old woman responded to a call reporting shots fired between two men in an altercation that ended up injuring four other people outside of Steward. According to the Clarion-Ledger’s report of the incident, the Mayor of Greenville – where the shooting took place – Errick Simmons explained what a loss to the community Steward was after her death. The shooter is in custody, and the details which led to Steward’s death haven’t been publicized.
“Our community is hurting,” Simmons said outside of their City Hall, ““She was one who exhibited courage. She was one who put fear aside to help someone else.” He described her. Simmons continued to explain that the detective was survived by her parents and her three year old son.
“We feel the hurt of a 3-year-old son left without a mother,” Simmons said emotionally, “We feel the hurt of a mother and a father beside me here that have lost a daughter. We feel the hurt of a police department that has lost an officer. The family is hurt; our community is hurt.”
Tate Reeves, a republican governor took to Facebook to offer his condolences to the woman’s family as well. “Last night, Detective Myiesha Stewart of the Greenville Police Department was shot and killed in the line of duty while responding to a call. I am truly saddened by the tragic loss of Detective Stewart. Please join me in prayer for her family, her friends, and the entire Greenville Police Department. Her bravery and selfless service to her community will be remembered. We are safer because of the tireless commitment of her and police officers around the state to keeping our families safe,” He posted.