Man dies in Forrest County, woman charged

FORREST COUNTY, Miss. - A man is dead in Forrest County and a woman is charged with murder.

Forrest County Investigator, Nick Calico said, "The incident occurred late Friday night on Old Highway 49." Calico said authorities received a call at 9:54 p.m. regarding a suspicious person walking on the highway.

Further into the night, "A second call was made to the department about a man lying on the road near the Highway."

Calico said deputies found Keith Phillips, 45, dead at the site of the incident. Also at the scene deputies found Melissa Dawn Cruz, 45, she told authorities she struck someone with her vehicle.

"Through further investigation, it was determined Cruz, intentionally hit Phillips with her vehicle" said Calico.

Cruz is charged with second degree murder in connection to the incident.

Calico further said Phillips died of internal injuries.