Hattiesburg police identify victims, rule two homicides in 7th Avenue deaths

HATTIESBURG, Mississippi — On Jan. 27, 2026, officers with the Hattiesburg Police Department responded to a welfare check at a residence in the 500 block of 7th Avenue and discovered three deceased individuals, the department said in a social media post.

Police identified two adult victims as Thomas O’Neil, 37, and Brianna Bruno, 32. A 3-year-old juvenile related to the adults also was found dead. Autopsies conducted Jan. 29 determined O’Neil and the juvenile died from gunshot wounds and their deaths were ruled homicides, while Bruno died from a gunshot wound and her death was ruled a suicide, police said.

Detectives responded and conducted an investigation at the scene. The department said the incident appears to be isolated and there is no threat to the public. Police extended condolences to the families affected and said no additional information is expected to be released.

Hattiesburg is a city in southern Mississippi. The department did not provide further details about a motive or timeline. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.