MS Police Officer Kennis Croom Shot Dead Along With Pregnant Woman Thursday Night In Meridian

LAUDERDALE COUNTY, MS. (THECOUNT) — Dante Bender has been identified as the suspect in a double-murder involving Meridian police officer Kennis Croom Thursday night in Lauderdale County. A pregnant woman was also killed. Her identity has not been released.

Police are searching for 31-year-old Bender after officials say he shot a pregnant woman dead and then killed responding officer Croom, a Tuscaloosa native.

The incident unfolder near 2400 51st Avenue in Meridian, MS

Croom had been with the Meridian Police Department since October.

Bender is believed to be driving a black 2004 Nissan Armada bearing license plate “IMANI,” the MBI said in a press release on Tuesday night.

Anyone with possible information on the case should contact 911.

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Geo quick facts: Lauderdale County is a county located on the eastern border of the U.S. state of Mississippi. As of the 2010 census, the population was 80,261. The county seat is Meridian. The county is named for Colonel James Lauderdale, who was killed at the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812 – Wikipedia.