ATTALA COUNTY, Miss. — An 18-year-old man has been arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of Johnny Ray Reeves II, 38, and Nicole Massey, 39, who were found deceased inside an Attala County home Sunday afternoon.
Authorities identified the suspect as Isaiah Reeves, the 18-year-old nephew of Johnny Ray Reeves II.
The two victims were discovered inside a residence in the Zama community of Attala County on Sunday, August 30, 2026.
According to the Attala County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to the home at approximately 4:58 p.m. after a person arriving at the residence discovered a man and woman unresponsive inside.
Deputies and emergency medical personnel responded and found both individuals deceased.
Isaiah Reeves voluntarily appears with attorney
Sheriff Curtis Pope said Isaiah Reeves voluntarily appeared at the Attala County Sheriff’s Office on Monday, August 31, accompanied by his attorney.
He was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths.
Reeves is being held at the Leake County Correctional Facility.
His bond has been set at $2 million.
Authorities have not publicly released details explaining what investigators believe happened inside the residence or what may have led to the deaths.
Johnny Ray Reeves II and Nicole Massey identified as victims
Attala County Coroner Sam Bell identified the victims as Johnny Ray Reeves II and Nicole Massey, both of Attala County.
Authorities have not yet determined the official causes of death.
The victims’ bodies were transported to the Mississippi State Crime Laboratory, where autopsies are being conducted.
The examinations are expected to provide investigators with additional information about how the two victims died and help establish the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Double homicide investigation underway
The Attala County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the deaths as a double homicide.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is also assisting with the case.
Investigators are expected to examine forensic evidence recovered from the residence, autopsy findings, witness information and other evidence as they work to reconstruct what happened before the victims were discovered.
At this stage, authorities have not released a detailed timeline of the events leading up to the deaths.
They also have not publicly disclosed a possible motive.
Suspect is nephew of one of the victims
Authorities confirmed that Reeves is the nephew of Johnny Ray Reeves II.
The family relationship adds another layer to the investigation, although officials have not publicly explained the circumstances surrounding the relationship or what investigators believe may have occurred inside the home.
Because the investigation remains active, additional information could be released as detectives continue gathering evidence.
No additional details released
Officials have not announced whether anyone else is considered a suspect or whether additional arrests are expected.
The $2 million bond applies to Reeves following his arrest on the two first-degree murder charges.
As the case moves forward, investigators will continue working to determine the sequence of events that resulted in the deaths of Reeves and Massey.
The charges against Isaiah Reeves are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Investigation remains active
The deaths of Johnny Ray Reeves II and Nicole Massey have prompted an ongoing investigation involving local and state authorities.
The Attala County Sheriff’s Office and Mississippi Bureau of Investigation continue to work the case, while autopsy results and other forensic evidence are expected to help investigators establish the precise circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Authorities may release additional information as the investigation progresses.
For now, Isaiah Reeves remains in custody at the Leake County Correctional Facility on a $2 million bond while the double-murder case proceeds through the legal system.
