Alleged shooter Chris Paten still on the loose after March 9 killing of Kenya Jawaan “KJ” Hill in Lafayette County

Published 11:03 am Wednesday, April 26, 2017

The search for the man local law enforcement officers say is responsible for shooting and killing a 31-year-old father of five in March continues as Chris Paten remains on the loose.

Lafayette County Sheriff Department Investigator Alan Wilburn said Tuesday that investigators and the U.S. Marshals Service Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force are still actively searching for Paten who disappeared after the shooting on March 9.

According to records, Kenya Jawaan “KJ” Hill was shot four times in the upper chest and head area after an argument broke out between him and Paten in the Brittany Estate apartment complex. Hill was flown to the Regional One Medical Center in Memphis where he died a week later from his injuries.

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Paten, who was originally charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, now faces a murder charge and is considered armed and dangerous.

Paten, who is also known as Chris Caine, was out on bail when the shooting occurred for an arrest in December 2015 on charges of armed robbery and felon in possession of a firearm. He was released on bond in April 2016 and was awaiting trial on those charges.

According to court records, Paten pulled a gun on a man during a dice game.

Hill, who has been described as someone who was “always an upbeat, friendly and outgoing man who loved his family and friends,” attended Oxford schools and Northwest Mississippi Community College. He left behind five daughters.

Crimestoppers is offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to Paten’s arrest.

Anyone with information should call LCSD at 662-234-6421 or Crimestoppers at 662-234-8477.