Crime

Gautier police seek information one year after Zavionne Payne’s murder

The Gautier Police Department is asking the public for information one year after the murder of Zavionne Payne, saying no arrests have been made in the killing.

Police asked anyone who attended last year’s Homecoming events, or who may have seen, heard, photographed, recorded or learned anything related to the case, to come forward. The department said information that may seem insignificant could help investigators.

Information can be provided to the Gautier Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 228-497-2486 or to Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-877-787-5898. Crime Stoppers tips may be submitted anonymously.

The department said Payne’s family and loved ones continue to grieve and that it remains committed to finding answers and bringing the person or persons responsible to justice.

Source: Gautier Police Department.

Jon Myers

Jon Ross Myers founded Mississippi News Group in 2013. Before founding the organization, he worked at The Daily Mississippian, The Marion Salute and The Southern Sentinel. A Mississippi journalist and writer based in Ripley, he received second place in poetry in the 2025 William Faulkner Literary Competition for "The Garden."