Convicted Felon Charged with Attempted Murder in Monday Night Shooting
DOWNTOWN JACKSON — Jackson police have charged a convicted felon with numerous charges in a Monday night shooting at Brookfield Apartments with a sawed-off shotgun, and the suspect was wanted on an outstanding probation violation warrant. Brandon Keen, 24, of Jackson, was arraigned Wednesday morning in Jackson City Court for attempted second-degree murder, possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, possession of a prohibited weapon, felon in possession of a firearm and evading arrest. Keen’s bond was set at $400,000, and his next scheduled court date is 1:30 p.m. on April 24 in City Court. “I’m happy that they followed through and they got the guy,” said Ron Parker, who runs a Jackson business. “I wish more people would get caught.” Keen will also be held at the Madison County Jail on a violation of community corrections warrant. On Nov. 25, 2013, Keen was convicted of promoting the manufacture of methamphetamine and felony possession of drug paraphernalia in Madison County Circuit Court, Division II. Keen was sentenced to three years under the supervision of the Madison County Community Corrections Program. He subsequently violated the terms of community corrections, and a violation warrant was issued for him on March 28. Keen will appear in Circuit Court to answer to the violation warrant on a date to be determined. Around 6:50 p.m. Monday, police were called to Airways Motel at 576 Airways Boulevard about a fight. When officers arrived, a witness told police that the two men who were fighting had left. The witness told officers that one of the men possibly lived in Brookfield Apartments. Around 7:15 p.m., an officer was walking through Brookfield Apartments at 1160 Hollywood Drive in an attempt to find the man. The officer then saw a man shoot a shotgun in the direction of another man. The officer chased the shooter and was able to apprehend him. The man who was shot at ran away. Police recovered the shotgun. The shooting suspect, identified as Keen, had lacerations to his face and head. Officers learned that he was one of the men involved in the earlier fight. Officers transported him to the hospital for his injuries. Shortly afterward, police were called back to the Airways Motel. Charles Bodies, 32, of Memphis, had been struck in the abdomen and groin by shotgun pellets. Bodies was transported by ambulance to Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. Investigators learned that Bodies was the second man involved in the fight at the Airways Motel. The investigation further determined that Keen had shot Bodies in retaliation for the fight. Bodies was treated and released from the hospital around 11:30 p.m. Monday. Keen was treated and released to police custody. He was then transported to the Madison County Jail. Upon inspecting the shotgun, investigators found the barrel to be sawed-off and less than the legal length, which is a violation of state and federal law. “Mr. Keen could potentially face federal charges for being a convicted felon with a firearm as well as possessing a prohibited weapon,” said Captain Tyreece Miller, with the Jackson Police Department. Police anticipate consulting with the U. S. Attorney’s Office about potential federal charges.
