Bond set for Forrest Co. second degree murder suspect

FORREST COUNTY, Miss. - The bond was set at $150,000 for 45-year-old Melissa Cruz of Hattiesburg. According to authorities Cruz intentionally ran over Keith Phillips, 45, Friday night.

The incident occurred on Old Highway 49 West said Forrest County investigator Nick Calico.

The department received a phone call July 1 of a "suspicious person walking down Old Highway 49 West around 9:54 p.m." said Calico.

Moments after the first call, a second call came in stating a man was lying on the road bleeding.

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.

Calico further said Phillips died of internal injuries.