By Billy Davis

Sardis police have enlisted the help of state investigators after a Sardis man was fatally stabbed last week.

The Miss. Bureau of Investigation has assisted the small police department after the July 6 death of Richard Allen Jr., SPD Chief Marcel JoJola announced.

Latara Denise Ferrell, 20, turned herself in at the Panola County jail July 6, with a knife in her possession, said the chief. She has since been released with no charges filed.

Allen, 28, was “stabbed in the middle of Frederick Street,” located in south Sardis, according to the police chief.

He was transported by private automobile to Tri-Lakes Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

An autopsy performed over the weekend confirmed Allen died from a stab wound to the chest, said Gracie Grant-Gulledge, Panola County coroner.

Henderson Funeral Home of Sardis is in charge of arrangements, which were incomplete at press time, she said.

Along with Ferrell, Timeka Hull of Batesville also turned herself in at the jail. Hull was a passenger in the car driven by Ferrell, said JoJola. She has also been released.

Both Ferrell and Hull “were very cooperative with authorities,” said the chief.   

With no charges pending, Allen’s stabbing death will be presented to grand jurors, said the police chief.

“That’s the bottom line,” said JoJola. “We will submit a report to the grand jury.”

The police chief expressed appreciation to MBI and the Panola County Sheriff’s Department for assistance.