A tragic series of shootings in northeast Mississippi has led to the arrest of a 24-year-old man, who now faces murder charges. Authorities have identified the suspect as Daricka M. Moore, responsible for a deadly rampage that claimed six lives in the rural community of Cedarbluff.

The violence unfolded late Friday across three separate locations in Cedarbluff, a small town situated about 10 miles from West Point. Among the deceased were four of Moore’s own family members, including his young cousin, casting a shadow of grief over the tight-knit community. Sheriff Eddie Scott of Clay County expressed bewilderment and sorrow, particularly at the loss of the youngest victim, stating, “I don’t know what kind of motive you could have to kill a 7-year-old.”

Moore was apprehended and taken into custody by the early hours of Saturday morning, with jail records indicating his booking at approximately 3:25 a.m., as reported by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

The devastating incident has left residents of the area grappling with shock and mourning, while authorities continue to investigate the circumstances that led to this senseless act of violence.

A man is facing murder charges after six people were killed in a string of related shootings in northeast Mississippi. (Getty Images)

He has been charged with first-degree murder, a charge that could be elevated to capital murder, Scott and Sheriff’s Deputy Steven Woodruff said. 

Authorities said additional murder charges may also be filed.

An investigation remains ongoing. A motive for the shootings is not yet clear.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Department is pictured in West Point, Ms. (Google Maps)

According to online records in Clay County, Moore does not have a prior criminal history. 

“A situation like this, you’ve got a family member attacking their own family,” Scott said. “Whatever the reason is, we’re hoping that we’ll find out.”

Early Saturday morning, Scott wrote about the incident in a social media post.

According to online records in Clay County, the suspect does not have a prior criminal history.  ( Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images)

“Unfortunately, tonight we have dealt with tragedy in our community. Multiple innocent lives lost due to violence,” Scott wrote. “We do have the individual in custody and no longer poses a threat to our community. I ask that you lift our victims and their families in your prayers. Law enforcement is busy investigating and will release an update as soon as possible.”

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.