BREAKING - RANKIN TEEN CHARGED AS ADULT IN BRANDON DRIVE-BY SHOOTING

On October 19, 2025, around 2:26 p.m., the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department responded to a shooting at Bridgewater Apartments, 500 Avalon Way, Brandon, MS 39047, where a juvenile male had been physically assaulted by two assailants and then shot at as they fled in a silver four-door car. Investigators processed the scene, collecting shell casings, and reviewed surveillance video confirming the assault and gunfire. Based on evidence and witness testimony, 16-year-old Xavior Balderas was identified as the suspect; a search warrant executed at his home around 8:31 p.m. recovered his face mask and clothing from the incident. On October 20, Balderas made his initial court appearance, charged as an adult with Drive-By Shooting and Tampering with Physical Evidence, with the investigation ongoing and further arrests possible.