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Mississippi NAACP supporting Douglas family

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DeShawn Xavien Douglas
DeShawn Xavien Douglas (photo courtesy Rankin County Sheriff's Office)

The Mississippi NAACP has come out in support of Vicksburg native DeShawn Douglas.

Douglas, 18, is charged with first-degree murder in the Dec. 29 shooting death of his Brandon neighbor, Christopher Miln, 54.

In a cellphone video, Miln and Douglas are engaged in a verbal altercation followed by a physical fight. Miln appears to provoke Douglas, who does not retaliate.

Moments after the video ended, a witness said Douglas shot Miln four to six times. Douglas fled the scene but was taken into custody without incident after a short search. Miln died of his wounds.

Douglas’ attorney said his client acted in self-defense after being “violently attacked” and suffering months of harassment from Miln that included threats to his 13-year-old brother. Douglas, who was initially denied bail, was released from jail Monday on a $75,000 bond.

In a brief statement, the Mississippi NAACP said it has been in contact with the Douglas family.

“The Mississippi NAACP is aware of Shawn Douglas’s case in Rankin County, MS,” the statement reads. “While the investigation is ongoing, the Mississippi NAACP believes that Mr. Douglas should be afforded due process under all applicable state laws. As we continue to monitor the case, we will remain in communication and supportive of the Douglas family. Our commitment is to fighting for a fair and equitable justice system.”

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