Police Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Suspect Captured in Murder of MS Officer

Atkinson was brought back to Biloxi Police headquarters by Gulfport Police. As he was taken out of the back of a patrol car by two officers, Atkinson smiled broadly.

Suspect Captured in Murder of MS Officer

Darian Tawan Atkinson, 19, is delivered to Biloxi Police headquarters. Atkinson faces a charge of capital murder in the killing of Biloxi Officer Robert McKeithen. (Photo: WLOX Screen Shot)

2 min to read


A suspect has been arrested for the Sunday night ambush killing of a Biloxi, MS, police officer. Darian Tawan Atkinson, 19, faces a charge of capital murder after his arrest Monday night in Wiggins, MS.

Police say Atkinson approached on-duty uniformed Officer Robert McKeithen in the parking lot of Biloxi police headquarters Sunday around 10 p.m. and shot him multiple times. McKeithen was mortally wounded and died at an area hospital. He was reportedly one year away from retirement. No motive has been given for the attack.

Ad Loading...

Images of the suspect were captured by security cameras when he entered the Lopez Quave Public Safety Center—headquarters of the Biloxi Police—shortly before the murder of Officer McKeithen. The images led to the suspect's capture.

A Biloxi police officer driving home Monday night spotted Atkinson in Wiggins and followed him until Wiggins officers could respond. The suspect was taken into custody by Wiggins officers.

Atkinson was brought back to Biloxi Police headquarters by Gulfport Police. As he was taken out of the back of a patrol car by officers, Atkinson smiled broadly. WLOX TV reported he continued smiling and sticking out his tongue as he was taken into the police station. The Sun Herald also reports he said, "Oh, the police are mad at me," then said, "murder" in a quipping manner.

Dozens of officers, sheriff's deputies, federal agents, firefighters, and civilians lined the sidewalks as Atkinson was delivered to the Biloxi PD headquarters. They applauded as he was taken into the building.

During a Monday night press conference Biloxi Chief John Miller praised all the law enforcement officers who had worked tirelessly on the case. Because of a local air show many had already been on duty for more than 12 hours before the murder. He said some had worked 38-, 40-, and 44 hours without rest.

Ad Loading...

Miller also thanked the public for its response. He said the department had received calls, cards, letters, and even food. "The community has been very supportive."

Miller said an additional person will be charged with accessory in the case.

More Patrol

Group of men and women seated in a circle around a room as one woman stands and leads discussion.
PatrolApril 9, 2026

Warriors Heart’s Mission to Serve America’s Veterans and First Responders

Warriors Heart works closely with federal and community partners to expand treatment options for veterans and first responders. By combining specialized clinical care with a peer-driven recovery environment, the program helps warriors rebuild strength, restore relationships, and rediscover purpose.

Read More →
Black background with police card lights and logo for POLICE, with headline in yellow: How are LE Boots Different for Women
Patrolby Wayne ParhamApril 9, 2026

How are LE Boots Different for Women?

Boots fit differently for men and women, so how are law enforcement boots for women designed differently from those worn by men? In this video, Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, shares all the details.

Read More →
Man standing in desert talking on radio.
PatrolApril 9, 2026

Motorola Solutions Extends Resilient, Mission-Critical Communications and AI with T-Satellite from T-Mobile

A collaboration between Motorola Solutions and T-Mobile helps deliver uninterrupted situational awareness and access to AI wherever the mission leads, enabled by satellite connectivity for Motorola Solutions' APX NEXT smart radios.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Las Vegas skyline at dusk with headline 2026 Vision FirstNet Users Summit, dates for the event, and diagonally at bottom right words Registration Open.
PatrolApril 9, 2026

Registration Now Open for 2026 Vision FirstNet Users Summit

Registration is now open for the 2026 Vision FirstNet Users Summit. The Summit is an opportunity to connect with local and federal leaders, specifically the FirstNet Authority, which is hosting a track at the event this year.

Read More →
Two chest rig packs in camo in front of a blue themed SWAT background and a logo for Tasmanian Tiger.
PatrolApril 6, 2026

Tasmanian Tiger Launches Modular Chest Rig 4xM4 & Modular Chest Rig Pack for LE

Tasmanian Tiger has expanded its Modular Load-Carrying System with the new Modular Chest Rig 4xM4 and Modular Chest Rig Pack. Both provide adaptable, low-profile load options for military, law enforcement, and SWAT missions.

Read More →
Security worker watching computer monitors, with a white area at top with a logo for ZeroEyes.
PatrolApril 2, 2026

ZeroEyes Expands from AI Gun Detection to Knife Detection & Suspect Tracking

ZeroEyes has launched three new product categories to extend beyond firearms to address additional acute safety threats and basic security needs. Knife detection and suspect tracking are now also available.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
GALLS logo against a white box set atop a blue-tinted map of Tennessee.
PatrolApril 2, 2026

GALLS Acquires CMS Uniforms

GALLS has acquired CMS Uniforms and Equipment, Inc., a prominent regional provider based in Nashville, Tennessee. CMS Uniforms, founded in 2000, has built a reputation for delivering stellar customer service and managing complex uniform programs for more than 670 accounts.

Read More →
Police drone hovering over its charging nest against a blue sky background.
PatrolMarch 26, 2026

Brinc Unveils Guardian, Launching the Next Era of Drone as First Responder

Brinc’s new Guardian delivers 24/7 operations, Starlink connectivity, and a robotic charging nest that can swap batteries and change payload configurations without human intervention.

Read More →
image of trooper, shown from waist down, standing beside a police cruiser along the road and at right a headline Slow Down Move Over.
PatrolMarch 19, 2026

Colorado State Patrol Releases 2025 Struck-By Analysis

The Colorado State Patrol, after analyzing its 2025 struck-by incidents, identified one area for improvement: using traffic cones to provide advanced warning before the cruiser's location. Here is the agency’s final data.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Image of a group of men in business attire receiving an award set against a black background and a Streamlight logo up top.
PatrolMarch 19, 2026

Streamlight Names 144th Marketing Group Law Enforcement Sales Rep Agency of the Year

Streamlight has recognized the 144th Marketing Group as its 2025 Sales Rep Agency of the Year Award for the Law Enforcement market.

Read More →