Illegal immigrant remains in jail over sniper shootings

The illegal immigrant accused of indiscriminately shooting at passing cars on Beacon and Main Street in August here remains in custody, Police Chief Eric Lyons said.

The man, Fredy Antonio Amaya-Marin, 39, faces eight counts of attempted murder. Amaya-Marin also potentially faces a number of federal charges, including illegal re-entry after deportation and illegal alien in possession of a firearm. 

Lyons said he remains in local custody in the Leake County Detention Center where he will remain until his trial.

According to Lyons, they do not currently have a trial date set. He said he did not know when Amaya-Marin would face trial and said it could be up to a year from now.

“Hopefully it will not take that long,” He said.

Lyons said the local crimes will be handled before any federal agency like Immigration and Customs Enforcement attempt to pursue charges or deport Amaya-Marin.

“More than likely he will never get out if he’s found guilty on all counts but if he is ever released he will be immediately deported,” Lyons said. “He will never be released back into the public of the U.S.”

He was arrested at 288 Alford Avenue at about 2 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24.  Alford Avenue runs between Beacon and Main near the Hondumex Authentic Mexican Restaurant.

Police say about 15 vehicles were struck with bullets, three of which left individuals injured.

Lyons said he may be responsible for shooting out windows at the public library discovered on Aug. 27 and other possible incidents.

Lyons said investigators have questioned Amaya-Martin and said he has denied any involvement in the shootings.

Amaya-Marin was previously arrested in September of 2023 by the Neshoba County Sheriff's Department under a fake name for a DUI.