West Point Man Charged With Murder

Emmit Smith

FROM WEST POINT POLICE

WEST POINT, Miss. — On Saturday, October 13 officers of the West Point Police Department responded to an E911 call to assist the ambulance at a North Forest Street apartment. Upon arrival officers discovered 56 year old John Henry Gallins lying face up in front of the residence in a semi-conscious state. He appeared to be suffering from a head injury. A preliminary investigation revealed that Mr. Gallins had been in an altercation with a Mr. Emmit Smith of 209 North Forest Street.

Although Mr. Gallins injuries appeared to be consistent with a fall Mr. Smith was detained for questioning and later transported to the Clay County Jail pending charges. The victim was transported to the North Mississippi Medical Center-West Point and later transferred to the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo due to the serious nature of his injuries.

Mr. Gallins died as a result of his injuries late Tuesday afternoon. Shortly thereafter Mr. Smith was charged with murder. He is being held in the Clay County Jail. Bond was set at 2 million dollars. The investigation is ongoing and upon completion the police department expects to know whether alcohol was involved in the incident and if any weapons were involved (none were recovered at the scene).

At least one other person was at the residence, which is an apartment dwelling, but it’s unclear if this person actually witnessed the incident. Chief Tim Brinkley said, “It was a tragic scene and we are confident that investigators will be able to determine what events led up to Mr. Gallins being found in a condition that subsequently led to his death.”