Family of fallen Claiborne County deputy speaks out for first time, shares his passion for family and service

CLAIBORNE COUNTY, Miss. — The family of fallen Claiborne County Deputy Terrian Bailey is speaking out for the first time about the kind of person he was and the memories they will miss most.

A memorial has grown outside the Claiborne County Courthouse, with cards, ribbons and stuffed animals placed over a county truck dedicated to Bailey.

Family remembers Bailey

Bailey’s brother, Mikal, was among the first to visit the memorial. Mikal admired Bailey’s passion for serving others.

“Somebody that you can depend on, somebody that you can call and he’ll come,” Mikal said.

Bailey’s niece, Jayla, works as a dispatcher on the force. She said her uncle inspired her to serve.

“He’s a big family guy, so being able to work with him was an honor,” Jayla said. “When I would come visit him, he would talk about his job and the people he was working with and, you know, how kind everybody was always. When I got on the force, to know I was alongside my uncle, it meant a lot to me.”

Community shows support

Outside the courthouse, strangers have also shown support for Bailey.

“I brought a card of condolences and a love offering for the family of Deputy Bailey,” Claiborne County resident Callie Johnson said. “My card of sympathy lets them know that they are not alone in their grieving, in their bereavement.”

Mikal said the support has made mourning easier for the family.

“Everybody showed tremendous love and we’ll never forget all the love they showed,” Mikal said. “It means a lot to the family.”

“We’ve been getting calls non-stop about how everybody loves him and the condolences,” Jayla said. “And that, honestly one of the most heartwarming things I’ve felt lately.”

Investigation ongoing

There have been no arrests since the shooting early Monday. Sheriff Edward Goods said agencies at all levels are investigating and said gun violence must stop.

“What we’re dealing with is kids running around with guns in book bags and parents are not holding their kids accountable,” Goods said. “Now that we’ve lost one of our own, we have to hold these kids responsible coming to these events and causing havoc.”

The truck memorial will remain outside the courthouse until Bailey’s funeral service. The family said it is in final preparations for the service.

The FBI is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case. Goods said patience is needed as the investigation continues.

“Be patient so that we can right. I’m confident in MBI, I’m confident in the FBI and I’m just asking the public to be patient as the process plays out,” Goods said. “Anyone with information, please call the sheriff’s office, call the hotline, call Crime Stoppers because, at the end of the day, we want to bring justice for Terrian Bailey.”

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