Body discovered near Ameristar Hotel identified

A body found in a ravine near Ameristar Casino on Tuesday has been identified as Michael Shane Harris, 45, of Vicksburg.

Let to right: Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace and Vicksburg Deputy Police Chief Troy Kimble. (Photo by David Day)

According to updated information concerning the case, Vicksburg Police Department was contacted by a family member of the deceased earlier on Tuesday. The family member stated they have not seen nor heard from Harris in several weeks. Police were informed Harris may be living in a tent and were provided with possible locations he may have set up camp.

A search began to locate Harris. Tuesday afternoon, at around 1:20 p.m., the body of a white male, appearing to be between the ages of 40-45 was reported to have been discovered near Ameristar Hotel in a ravine.

(Photo by David Day)

Authorities contacted the family, Louisiana residents, who arrived at the scene.

Vicksburg Police Chief Penny Jones states it is too early to tell if this is indeed a homicide. The Mississippi State Crime Lab will perform an autopsy and determine the cause and time of death.