Clinton Police Make Two Arrests in Mississippi College Armed Robbery

Clinton police made two arrests Wednesday in connection with an armed robbery at Mississippi College over the Labor Day weekend.

Clinton police have identified Corey Gillispie Booth, 23, of Jackson as the accused gunman. A second suspect, Conessia G. Samuel, 21, of Jackson, is charged with accessory following the incident Friday evening on the campus. Meanwhile a third person of interest is being sought for questioning.

Both remain in the Clinton city jail with bond set at $500,000 for Booth and $250,000 for Samuel.

Two female students on a Clinton campus parking lot escaped unharmed after turning over their personal belongings when Booth allegedly threatened them with a gun. Moments later, the accused suspect fled on foot, and hopped into a car driven by a second man who is still being sought by police.

MC leaders welcomed the arrests but say they will continue to take additional action to protect students.

“Safety is the primary concern on all of our minds,” said Jim Turcotte, vice president for enrollment services and dean of students. “Every day we talk about the safety of our students.”

This fall and for the remainder of the academic year, Mississippi College will put a greater focus on education efforts to help students become better informed on a number of safety issues.

From discussions on safety topics at Blue and Gold meetings with MC freshmen and additional information sessions at residence halls, the university will increase their activities on a number of fronts. Clinton police are also expected to step up patrols of the 320-acre campus.

“We will do more education going forward and double down on efforts to make students more aware of their surroundings,” Turcotte said.

Following Friday night’s incident, MC’s campus was placed on lockdown from about 9:45 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. Saturday. Clinton police officers and campus public safety officers searched the university’s 58 buildings.

An armed robbery at the 5,063-student university is a rare occurrence, and school officials believe it is the first such incident on campus in over seven years.

For additional information, contact the Clinton Police Department at 601-924-5252.