JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) โ In a dramatic development regarding a fatal shooting in Jackson, three individuals, including a father and son, have been arrested and charged in connection to the tragic death of 30-year-old Marquiez Scott. The shooting occurred on the night of September 15, 2024, in the 3100 block of Booker Street, and authorities have since identified and charged those responsible.
The Jackson Police Department (JPD) has been actively investigating the case, and the arrests of Marion Brown, Cardarow Harden, and Cardarow Harden, Jr., have shed light on the horrifying incident. The victim, Marquiez Scott, was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on Highway 80 near State Street, where police responded swiftly to the call for help. Despite their best efforts to save him, Scott succumbed to his injuries shortly after being discovered.
The Shooting Incident and Investigation Timeline
The night of September 15, 2024, was a dark one for the Jackson community. Around 10:30 p.m., emergency dispatchers received a call about gunshots in the 3100 block of Booker Street. When police arrived at the scene, they were met with the chilling discovery of Marquiez Scott, who had been shot multiple times. He was lying near the intersection of Highway 80 and State Street, only a short distance from where the shooting took place. First responders quickly rushed Scott to the hospital, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead a short time later.
The investigation into the shooting quickly intensified. Detective Tommie Brown of the Jackson Police Department revealed in a statement that Scott had been the victim of a targeted shooting. However, details about the motive remained unclear, prompting investigators to focus their attention on potential suspects in the area.
Detective Brown and his team combed through witness statements, surveillance footage, and forensic evidence to piece together what happened on that tragic night. While the case initially seemed to be stalled due to a lack of leads, new information began to surface in the months that followed. By the end of July 2025, the authorities were able to make significant breakthroughs that would lead to the arrests of three individuals.
Arrest of Marion Brown: The First Breakthrough
Marion Brown, an 18-year-old Jackson resident, was the first suspect to be arrested in connection to Marquiez Scottโs death. On July 30, 2025, Brown was taken into custody by the Jackson Police Department. Brown was charged with murder, a serious charge that carries significant legal consequences. Authorities did not immediately reveal the exact circumstances that led to his arrest, but they did confirm that they had gathered enough evidence linking him to the fatal shooting.
At the time of his arrest, Marion Brown was held on a $1 million bond, a figure that indicated the severity of the charges against him. Brownโs arrest was a key moment in the investigation, as it provided the police with critical insight into the events surrounding Scottโs death. Despite the arrest, however, the investigation was far from over. Detective Brown emphasized that the case was still ongoing, and more arrests were expected.
The Surrender of Cardarow Harden
On August 1, 2025, another major development occurred in the investigation. Cardarow Harden, 33, a known figure in the Jackson area, voluntarily turned himself in to the Jackson Police Department. Harden, like Marion Brown, was charged with the murder of Marquiez Scott. The fact that Harden chose to turn himself in suggests that he may have been aware that the authorities were closing in on him.
Hardenโs arrest added another layer of complexity to the case. As investigators continued to dig deeper, they discovered that Hardenโs involvement in the shooting was likely more extensive than initially believed. His arrest also raised questions about his relationship to the other suspects, particularly his son, who would later be implicated in the case.
Cardarow Hardenโs bond was set at $1 million, the same as Marion Brownโs. As a result, Harden remained in police custody while awaiting his day in court. During this time, the authorities continued to gather evidence and pursue further leads.
The Arrest of Cardarow Harden Jr.
The third and final arrest in the case occurred on August 13, 2025. U.S. Marshals apprehended Cardarow Harden, Jr., the 15-year-old son of Cardarow Harden. Harden Jr. was arrested in connection to the shooting of Marquiez Scott and was transferred into the custody of the Jackson Police Department. He was charged with the same crime as his father and Marion Brownโmurder.
Cardarow Harden Jr.’s arrest was a major turning point in the investigation. Given his age, his involvement in the case shocked the community, raising questions about how and why he became involved in the shooting. While details about Harden Jr.’s role in the crime have not been fully disclosed, his arrest added a disturbing layer to an already tragic situation.
In contrast to the other suspects, Harden Jr.โs bond was set at $250,000, significantly lower than that of his father and Marion Brown. While the lower bond suggests that Harden Jr.โs involvement may have been less direct or severe than the others, it does not lessen the gravity of the charges he faces. Like his father and Brown, Harden Jr. now faces the prospect of standing trial for the murder of Marquiez Scott.
The Brown and Harden Families: A Disturbing Connection
The involvement of both a father and son in the murder of Marquiez Scott is perhaps the most troubling aspect of the case. The relationship between Cardarow Harden and his son, Cardarow Harden Jr., has raised concerns within the Jackson community about the influence that parents can have on their children. For now, the investigation is focusing on understanding the full extent of the Harden familyโs involvement in the incident and how their actions led to the tragic death of Scott.
Authorities have not yet clarified whether the Brown and Harden families have any direct connections or whether their involvement in the case is coincidental. However, the arrest of both Marion Brown and the Hardens suggests that the crime may have involved multiple people working together in some capacity. Detective Brown and his team are continuing to investigate these relationships to determine the true nature of the suspectsโ connections and their roles in the crime.
Ongoing Investigation: Questions Remain
Despite the arrests, many questions remain unanswered. While the Jackson Police Department has made significant strides in solving the case, Detective Brown noted that the investigation is still ongoing. Investigators are continuing to seek answers regarding the motive for the murder, as well as any potential accomplices who may have been involved.
One of the key areas of focus is understanding the relationship between the suspects and the victim, Marquiez Scott. At the time of writing, police have not released any details about why Scott was targeted or whether there was a personal conflict involved. The authorities are also exploring any possible links to organized crime, gang activity, or other criminal enterprises, as Jackson has seen an uptick in violence in recent years. However, these leads remain speculative, and no official conclusions have been drawn.
Authorities are continuing to urge anyone with information about the case to come forward. Members of the community have been encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 601-355-TIPS (8477) or the Jackson Police Department at 601-960-1234 with any details that could assist in solving the case.
The Impact on the Community
The murder of Marquiez Scott has deeply affected the Jackson community. Neighbors, friends, and family members of Scott have expressed their shock and sorrow at the loss of such a young life. Local organizations have rallied around the victimโs family, offering support and resources as they navigate this difficult time. The case has sparked broader conversations about the rising rates of violent crime in Jackson, and many local leaders have called for stronger community engagement and more effective law enforcement strategies to combat gun violence.
The tragic death of Marquiez Scott has also raised concerns about the role of family dynamics in perpetuating violence. The involvement of both a father and son in the murder has added a layer of complexity to the case, as it raises questions about generational patterns of criminal behavior and the potential influence of parents on their childrenโs choices.
What Happens Next?
As the investigation continues, the families of the accused, as well as the victimโs family, are left to grapple with the consequences of this horrific event. With the arrests of Marion Brown, Cardarow Harden, and Cardarow Harden Jr., the legal process will now take center stage. The suspects will face their day in court, where the full details of the case will be revealed, and justice will be sought for Marquiez Scott.
This story is developing, and further updates will be provided as new information comes to light. The Jackson Police Department is committed to ensuring that those responsible for Scottโs death are held accountable and that the community is provided with the answers they deserve. In the meantime, residents of Jackson continue to mourn the loss of a young man whose life was taken far too soon.
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