By COLLIN BREAUXThe Holmes County Sheriff’s Office announced March 28 Anthony Hicks Jr., a resident of Kynard, Fl., has been formally charged with an open count of murder in connection with the March 26 fatal shooting of Marcus “Kale” Fournier.
“Hicks, currently detained at the Calhoun County Jail, will undergo extradition proceedings to return him to Holmes County to face the charges brought against him,” a news release said. “Sheriff John Tate emphasized that the investigation into this matter remains active and ongoing.”
While progress has been made with the filing of formal charges, there is still substantial work ahead for the investigative team, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience as our investigative team continues to work diligently on this case,” Tate said. “The pursuit of justice for Marcus Kale Fournier and his loved ones remains our top priority.”
Tate also extended gratitude to all individuals and agencies who have responded to and assisted with the investigation thus far.
“The collaborative efforts of law enforcement and the community are vital in resolving such cases,” the news release said. “The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office will continue to provide updates on significant developments in this case as they unfold.”
Fournier was shot after stopping to assist two other individuals in a car wreck.
Two individuals, a father and son, lost control of a vehicle traveling northbound on Highway 173. Fournier was said to have come upon the wreck and discovered by first responders at the scene after being shot.
The incident is under investigation by law enforcement, Sheriff John Tate said during a press conference. Fournier and the suspects were not initially not publicly identified by Tate during a press conference held the day of the shooting, though Fournier’s family gave consent to Holmes County Advertiser for him to be named.
Fournier was 25 and the last call on his phone was to 911, according to his family.
“Some of this stuff may change as we go,” Tate said during the March 26 press conference. “I’ll tell you what I know. Some of the stuff I do not know right now and we’ll get you updates as it comes in.”
The reason for the shooting is unknown, as of this post. The other person in the wrecked vehicle lives in Georgia.
“We do not know exactly why yet,” Tate said. “It appears someone stopped to check on someone and that person ended up getting shot.”
It is believed one of the suspects involved was acting “irrational” and “talking out of his mind, talking crazy,” Tate said. The reason for that is also currently unknown.
“(Hicks) has a warrant out of Calhoun County for aggravated battery,” Tate said during the initial press conference.
“From everything we’ve found out so far, we can’t find any connection,” Tate further said when asked if there was a prior connection between the victim and suspects. “That doesn’t mean that might not change in the near future. We don’t believe so.”
Tate said a wreck turning into a shooting doesn’t happen often.
“It’s a big puzzle piece,” he said. “We’re trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together. It’s going to take time.”
The Sheriff’s Office is working with the State Attorney’s Office when it comes to charges in the matter and who is responsible for the actual shooting.
“If you have any information regarding this, give us a call at our office,” Tate said.
GARETT VALCOURT 
Staff Report 