Coroner says gunshot was self-inflicted

gunshot.jpg [1]

By CARL SMITH
sdnnews@bellsouth.net [2]

An inmate who escaped captivity from the Choctaw County Courthouse Wednesday died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
While Choctaw County Coroner Keith Coleman confirmed the cause of death of 27-year-old inmate Bobby Fair, Mississippi Bureau of Investigations officials have yet to complete their full report on his death.
Jon Kalahar, a spokesman for the Miss. Department of Safety, said the full report will come after the state crime lab finishes ballistics testings.
Kalahar did confirm Fair died of a gunshot, but could confirm if it was self-inflicted. He also said shots were exchanged by Fair and pursuing officers, but none occurred at the location where Fair’s body was recovered.
“The weapon will be in Jackson [today], and a report will be issued once the investigation is closed,” Kalahar said.
Ackerman Mayor Dick Cain said Fair was due at the Choctaw County Courthouse Wednesday for a preliminary appearance after he was arrested on two counts of armed robbery.
At approximately 3:30 p.m. that day, Fair attacked a female officer on the way to the courtroom, took her firearm and forced her to unlock his restraints and surrender her Taser, cellphone and gun belt. Fair then stole a patrol car and fled the town.
Shortly after the escape, various law enforcement agencies started the hunt for Fair.
Local, county and state agencies’ pursuit of Fair ended on the Natchez Trace north of French Camp about 8 p.m. last night.