UPDATED: Oxford Police investigate fatal shooting

Published 8:52 am Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Oxford Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that took place shortly before 5 p.m. Tuesday.

According to OPD, the department responded to 110 Old Taylor Road (County Road 303) for an ambulance assist after a caller reported to 911 someone was shot and needed help.

OPD Maj. Jeff McCutchen said it was reported to 911 that a white male, later identified as Hunter Escue, 18 of Oxford, had been shot and was unresponsive. When medical staff arrived, Hunter was taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

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On scene, officers spoke with Austin McLarty, 20 of Oxford, who called 911. Police determined that both young men were handling firearms, when a shot was reportedly fired from Austin’s weapon, fatally striking Hunter.

McCutchen said no charges have been filed at this time, as the case is still under investigation. Police are awaiting the results from the autopsy, interviews, as well as the items that were sent to the Mississippi Crime Lab for analysis.

McCutchen said more information will be released later today.