Rex Allen Dennis Obituary, Death – A homicide investigation is underway in Lamar County, Mississippi, after an early morning shooting left a man dead and his son in police custody. The incident occurred in the Baxterville community on Dilly Niller Road shortly after 2 a.m. Thursday, according to authorities.
Sheriff Danny Rigel reported that the suspect, identified as 42-year-old Allen Dennis, allegedly shot and killed his father during the early morning hours. Deputies responded quickly to the scene, where they found the victim suffering from fatal injuries. Despite efforts by emergency personnel, the man was pronounced dead a short time later.
The victim has been identified as 63-year-old Rex Allen Dennis, according to Lamar County Coroner Blake Matherne. He officially declared the time of death at 2:30 a.m. An autopsy will be conducted to provide further details regarding the cause of death, though investigators confirmed the shooting was the cause of the fatal injuries.
Authorities recovered the weapon believed to have been used in the shooting at the scene. Sheriff Rigel confirmed that Allen Dennis did not flee following the shooting and was taken into custody without further incident.
Allen Dennis now faces several charges in connection with the crime. He has been charged with murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and violating the terms of his parole. He remains in custody as he awaits his initial court appearance in Lamar County Justice Court, where a judge will determine the conditions of his detention and next steps in the case.
Law enforcement has not yet released information regarding a possible motive behind the fatal shooting. The sheriff’s office confirmed the investigation remains active, with detectives interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence from the scene. Neighbors in the Baxterville community reported being startled by the heavy police presence early Thursday morning as investigators worked to secure the area.
Coroner Matherne said his office will oversee the autopsy, which is expected to provide additional clarity on the manner in which Rex Dennis died. The results will be shared with investigators as they continue to build their case against the suspect.
The killing has drawn attention in the small Lamar County community, where violent crime of this nature is relatively uncommon. Sheriff Rigel expressed condolences to the family while stressing that his department is committed to ensuring justice is served.
“This is a deeply tragic situation for the Dennis family and the entire community,” Rigel stated. “Our deputies, along with investigators and the coroner’s office, are working to ensure all the facts are gathered and that the case is handled with the seriousness it deserves.”
Allen Dennis will remain held at the county detention center until his first appearance in justice court, where the charges against him will be formally presented. If convicted, he could face significant prison time for both the murder and weapons charges, in addition to penalties for his parole violation.
The sheriff’s office is urging anyone with further information about the incident to come forward. While no additional suspects are being sought at this time, investigators continue to gather evidence to fully understand the circumstances that led to the deadly shooting.
What is clear, according to officials, is that a tragic act of violence has left one man dead, another facing serious criminal charges, and an entire family and community reeling in the aftermath.
