Blackwell denied bond in shooting of Simpson County deputy

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Joaquin Blackwell, the man accused of killing Simpson County Deputy James Blair, was denied bail Monday.

Friday, Blair transported Blackwell to an involuntary psychiatric evaluation at the Region 8 mental health facility in Mendenhall. After the appointment, Blair was reportedly escorting Blackwell to his car when Blackwell grabbed Blair’s gun, shot him and fled.

Slain Simpson County Deputy James Blair. (Photo courtesy SCSO)

Blair was transported to a hospital but did not survive.

After a 24-hour search, Blackwell surrendered to law enforcement around 2 p.m. Saturday.

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation charged Blackwell with capital murder in the killing of a peace officer. If convicted, Blackwell faces the death penalty.

Police also arrested Shawn Tullos for filing a false police report in connection to the case. Tullos is accused of telling authorities Blackwell was in the D’Lo area, which sent deputies on a wild goose chase, WAPT reports.

Deputy Blair was 77 years old.