One dead after reported exchange of gunfire between vehicles on I-55 in Southaven, police say

What investigators say happened

One person was found dead Monday morning, March 9, 2026, after a shooting on Interstate 55 in Southaven, Mississippi, prompting a major traffic disruption near the Church Road area.

Police said the incident involved two vehicles and reports that occupants in the vehicles were shooting at each other. Officers responded to the scene and the individual was pronounced dead there. Police have not publicly identified the victim, and investigators said it was not yet known what the person’s involvement was in the reported exchange of gunfire.

Traffic impacts near Church Road

The shooting investigation shut down the interstate’s southbound side near Church Road, with all southbound lanes reported blocked during the active scene. Traffic restrictions also affected the northbound side, where one lane remained open during the initial response.

Authorities warned drivers to expect significant delays as investigators worked the scene. The I-55 corridor is one of the primary routes connecting DeSoto County to the Memphis area, and disruptions near Southaven frequently create backups that extend beyond the immediate closure points.

• Location: I-55 near Church Road, Southaven (DeSoto County), Mississippi
• Timeframe: Monday morning, March 9, 2026
• Status reported during the investigation: all southbound lanes blocked; one northbound lane open

What remains unknown

As of Monday morning, police had not released details on the number of people in the vehicles, whether additional injuries were reported, or whether any suspects had been detained. Investigators also had not announced what led up to the shooting, whether the vehicles were known to each other, or whether the shooting continued beyond the immediate area near Church Road.

Authorities said they were seeking information from the public as the investigation continued.

Police described the shooting as involving two vehicles and said a person was pronounced dead at the scene, with the victim’s role not yet determined.

What to watch next

Additional updates are expected to include identification of the victim after next-of-kin notification, clarification of the sequence of events, and any criminal charges if arrests are made. Officials may also release further traffic and roadway updates as lanes reopen and incident-related congestion clears.