DESOTO COUNTY, MS (abc24.com) - Tensions are high in north Mississippi, and Mid-South drivers admit they're trying to stay off the roads.
Investigators confirmed this week two highway shooting deaths were related. Sources say both drivers were killed by bullets from the same gun. Both victims' cars were pulled to the side of the road. Officers put the public on alert, telling them to watch out for someone possibly posing as a cop.
There've been no shootings this week, but that's little comfort to investigators and police who are still working the case around the clock, hoping to turn up new leads.
There is no shortage of tips and phone calls, but the number of those that are proving helpful are few. They're still digging, believing something will pan out, and hoping it doesn't take another shooting to get their suspect.
"It scares me to death," says Martha Hamm.
Mississippi drivers can focus on little else.
"I think about that all the time," says Alta Steward.
"You catch yourself looking in your rear view mirror, even in the city looking to see," says Hamm.
Drivers are wondering if whoever killed two people on state highways is behind them. Investigators are well aware.
"I can't say there's anything new, but we are out," says district attorney John Champion. "Some tips we feel are legitimate and need to be looked into, some we can discount fairly quickly."
There's still no suspect, motive or definitive car description.
"The car description is once again a rumor. We're following up on leads given to us, as far as any concrete witnesses to either shooting we do not have any."
The similarities between the two shootings led officers to warn the public, the shooter could be posing as a cop.
"Hopefully I won't be pulled over by anyone anytime soon," says Michael Rice.
"My dad's been telling us to call 911 and call him and he's going to come meet us wherever we are," says Courtney Sims.
It has fueled fears, but investigators and police say awareness is the best protection.
"Hopefully it may help us catch the shooter, but most importantly protect citizens," says Champion.
"They'll catch him," Steward believes. "They'll get him because they're all out watching for him."
"I hope and pray [another shooting] is not going to happen," says Champion. "But you cannot eliminate the fact that it might be happening in the future."
