Georgia man, woman accused of robberies across 3 states

VICKSBURG, Miss. (AP) — Two Georgia residents who were arrested for a string of crimes in Alabama and Mississippi are also suspected in a Sunday killing in Columbus, Georgia.

Columbus police tell news outlets 21-year-old Sharae Dominique Threadgill and 18-year-old Jalen Benton are suspects in the Sunday death of 30-year-old Phillip Whitaker in an armed robbery attempt.

Threadgill and Benton were arrested near Vicksburg, Mississippi, late Monday after Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace says they carjacked an SUV with two women still inside and forced one to drive while the suspects shot at pursuing deputies.

Authorities say the two also robbed — or tried to rob — fast-food restaurants Monday in Demopolis, Alabama, and in the Mississippi cities of Meridian and Brandon.

Both are being held without bail in Vicksburg. It’s unclear if either has a lawyer.