Two brothers were reportedly arrested in conjunction with the April 23 shooting death of Jamie Iverson, owner of Paul’s Jewelry in Indianola, Miss.
Iverson, 67, was shot and killed during a robbery at her store, according to reports, which were confirmed by the local police department.
She is the first jeweler known to have been killed during an industry-related crime this year, says Jewelers’ Security Alliance (JSA) president John Kennedy.
Two brothers, Kenterius Wright, 19, and Daqarius Wright, 20, have been charged with the crime, according to local TV station WLBT.
Reports say that Iverson and husband Rodney had owned the store for two decades. She was reportedly working alone when two individuals entered the store through a back alley and attempted to rob it.
During the robbery, Iverson was shot; she died while being taken to a local hospital.
The two suspects escaped on foot but were later seen entering a black BMW. The local community quickly put up a $12,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of anyone involved in the murder.
A tip eventually led to the suspects’ arrest, according to The Clarksdale Press Register. The town’s police chief said more arrests could be coming.
Industry homicides have been at historically low levels in recent years: Two jewelers and one guard were killed during jewelry-related crimes in 2020, and in 2019 no industry member was killed during a crime, a long-sought-after goal.
Still, Kennedy calls this crime “particularly ugly.”
According to an online obituary, Jamie Iverson was a breast cancer survivor who loved animals and was devoted to her family and the First United Methodist Church of Indianola.
“As the owners of Paul’s Jewelry, she and Rodney not only worked together for decades, they were also best friends,” read the obituary. “They enjoyed taking family trips, going to market, hunting elk across the country, and riding to check on the farm together.
“Jamie was just as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. She was loving, kind, thoughtful, and selfless. Her smile and gentle eyes made everyone around her feel at peace.”
She is survived by Rodney, her husband of 42 years; two sons; and three grandchildren.
Any citizen with knowledge of this case can contact Crime Stoppers at 662-887-9181, or the Indianola Police Department at 662-887-1811.
(Photo: Getty)
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