The Martin Police Department has been actively investigating a homicide that was discovered on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at approx. 9:13 am.  Mrs. Barbara J. Higgs was discovered deceased inside of her residence located at 146 Brooks Drive, Martin, TN.  At that time, a law enforcement BOLO was issued for a person of interest, her husband, Eric D. Higgs, also of 146 Brooks Drive in Martin.  Upon further investigation, an arrest warrant was issued for Mr. Higgs for the charge of Second Degree Murder on Friday, October 27, 2017.

According to John Champion, the District Attorney for DeSoto County, Mississippi, on Sunday, October 29, 2017 at approx. 2:50 pm, officers from Hernando Police Department made contact with Mr. Higgs’ vehicle after receiving information from DeSoto County that he was on I-55 traveling their direction.  Hernando P.D. officers attempted to stop Mr. Higgs’ vehicle and he failed to stop and fled.  During this pursuit, Mr. Higgs’ vehicle crossed the median and traveled some distance towards oncoming traffic at speeds of 120 mph.  The suspect vehicle struck a tractor trailer and wrecked out in the median of I-55.  At this point, officers from multiple Mississippi agencies attempted to negotiate with the driver.  Negotiations were unsuccessful and the driver was killed by gunfire.  The driver of the vehicle was later positively identified as Eric D. Higgs.  The officer involved shooting is still under investigation by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.