Lawn care worker found shot to death, blower still running on his back, authorities in Miss. say

By Michael B. Healy On Oct 1, 2022

GULFPORT, Ms. (WLOX/Gray News) – Gulfport Police are investigating a shooting that left a lawn care worker dead on the job Monday evening.

Authorities responded to the scene around 7:25 pm

There, they found a man on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds and a running, gas-powered leaf blower on his back.

Authorities confirmed they responded to a scene around 7:25 pm Monday, where they found a man’s body.(WLOX)

That man was 47-year-old Kelvin Simmons, Jr. from Saucier, according to Harrison County Coroner Brian Switzer. Simmons was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities say Simmons was hired to mow the yard he was found in, but they aren’t yet sure who shot him or who would have motive for killing him. His autopsy will take place Wednesday.

Switzer also says Simmons was on dialysis for kidney disease and had recently gotten a transplant. Simmons was one of nine siblings and had recently started his lawn care business.

“He was just out there working, doing his job, earning a living… And it’s senseless,” Switzer said.

This is an ongoing investigation, police said.