Mississippi Lawmaker Found Shot to Death in Home of Former Local Politician
Mississippi state Representative Jessica Upshaw was found dead Sunday morning at the home of another Mississippi politician, according to the Clarion Ledger. Simpson County Sheriff Kenneth Lewis said Upshaw died from a single gunshot wound to the head, though he noted it's too early in the investigation to know if the wound was self-inflicted or if foul play was involved.
"It's been turned over to MBI. We can't really call what happened yet. I don't know if it's a suicide or what," Lewis said.
MBI spokesman Warren Strain said the crime scene unit was investigating.
"Right now it's too early on in it all to really make any comment," Strain said. "It's just real early on, and nothing's been ruled out. They're just now really getting into it all and trying to sort it out."
Lewis said Upshaw's body was found at the home of former Mississippi State Rep. Clint Rotenberry.
Mississippi Rep. Becky Currie noted Upshaw's intelligence. "She was so smart, she could pick a bill apart, and it was comforting to sit by her because nobody could sneak anything past her," Currie said.
Currie also implied suicide seemed unlikely. "I just saw her on Friday, and she seemed fine...She has a new grandchild she was so proud of and couldn't wait to see," Currie said. "They lived out of town, and she'd go visit as much as she could. I know she has a lot she wanted to live for."
